I had a conversation with them last week for the metro:
38,000 pay for captains (so you can imagine what an fo might make); metros are being moved to P.R and they will base you there (at least they will provide a company apartment). FO's in the saabs get 28 or 30k I think (but these guys used to pay to get in the right seat, unsure if they still do). Someone mentioned to me today that they have a training contract.
I've talked to their pilots many times on the ramp awaiting my cargo...one captain of the saab even told me I'd be better off elsewhere (all day 14hr duty day, 5-6 days a week was his reason, not to mention the pay). They ARE home every night though and usually get the weekends off. There's a lot of flying cargo to the islands down here. Only one buddy who worked there recommends the place because he stuck in there until he made captain and got the PIC time, so now he's at a better place making more.
If you can make the sacrifice in pay, it doesn't hurt; just like the regionals. Upgrades are not based on seniority but rather how liked you are and your performance/work ethic. My previously mentioned buddy got it in 2 years. I'm local to the area and the only way I could get them to pay me attention was with a personal recommendation from someone that is well connected to them. It seems you need that connection or to be there constantly in person in Miami to get the chance (probably because they have a lot of applicants).
From the guys I have met on the ramp, they are all very cool, nice guys, even the d.o and c.p are easy to talk with; just sucks about the pay. Also, don't expect to rent even a room in someone's house down here for less than 400-500$/month.
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