I completely agree. The problem is the obsurdly high pay at the top of the pay scale (300k +) encourages people to put up with the obsurdly low pay at the bottom of the pay scale (40-60k).

As a major airline pilot, I would gladly see our pay top out near 250k if it meant more reasonable wages at the regionals (everyone starting at 60-70k)

Absurdly, you mean. $300k a year is not that high of an income if you live in places like NYC, SFO, LAX, etc.. Normal ranch style homes 1600 sq ft on a 50' by 100' lot run north of a million. A 30 year old anesthesiologist pulls in that much and so do many lawyers at that age. Making $300k as a pilot? More like age 55-65 nearing retirement assuming one was hired in their 20's or early 30's by the major airline. I'm assuming you live in Texas so that seems like a lot of money to you and in Texas it certainly is but in large hubs like NYC, it's middle class..

I live in SoCal and own one of those 1500sq ft homes that cost $1 million. Even that is just a $4k a month payment, of which $1500 is paid to myself as principal, and the other $2500 tax deductible at 43% (33% federal rate and 9.3% CA rate). Everything else costs about the same as it did in Texas. California has higher income tax, but Texas had a crazy property tax and toll roads.

All I'm saying is I would much rather have regional pilots make more even if it meant major airline pilots topping out less. United pilots once went on strike to help future pilots not even on the property avoid B scale wages. I wish more major airline pilots would vote against the C scale wages allowed to happen at the regionals. I would gladly have my pay capped at 250k to do that. But I'm sure there are plenty who disagree with me.

Well I have been contemplating coming back and leaving my business. I make more than 200k a year but everyday I miss being in the sky. The stress my job gives me is sometimes not worth the pay but at the same time life style and away from my family and kids is not worth being paid under 100k for my own personal happiness.


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200k? Fly for fun my friend...

What he said... Go buy your own airplane and fly where you want, on your schedule, and with your favorite captain..

I'm all for higher wages at the regionals but I'm not fine with a 250k salary cap at a major. Right now the most senior widebody captains earn 300k a year. I think that's a fair salary for the position but it takes ages to get there and not all pilots make it to that level. Many will hang their hats up at the regionals while others at LCC/ ACMI carriers. Obviously pay at the latter is nowhere near 250-300k. So when we mention numbers like 250 or 300k, we are speaking of the top end of the entire airline industry. Thats not a lot for those few coveted widebody left seats at the legacies. Just my 2 cents..

Add about 100k to that and you're in the right ballpark, unless they're bidding reserve.

Seriously. You are trying to say that southern California cost of living is the same as Texas. A bit ridiculous.

Was going to reply the same. Texas is dirt cheap compared to CA.

However, nobody moves to Texas for the weather. Unless, one likes 100 degrees heat with 98% humidity. :eek: