PERSONAL OPINION, YMMV:

The baby boomer retirement wave at the majors has already started. It will peak in four to five years. Anyone wanting to work in this industry should be trying to get hired at a major before that peak occurs.

I had job offers from Compass, Skywest, and Horizon. I had ALWAYS wanted to work for Horizon, but had I taken a job with them (as a friend of mine did) I would likely have the same 450 TSIC hours he has right now rather than just short of 900 and getting ready to upgrade. Another friend took the Skywest route and sat reserve in LaGuardia for five or six months. Both of these guys are good guys with prior 135 time but both are over a year away from STARTING to get the 1000 hours of 121 TPIC that opens doors for interviews at a major.

I don’t know your numbers or your background but I would suggest you look for employment somewhere that will do what it takes to get you 1000 121 TPIC in - at most - four years. Whether that is Compass at LAX or PHX, an OO CRJ at FAT or even working for Mesa :eek: with crap pay and working rules, screwing around with someone who will minimally fly you is not a great option. The lower your numbers, the worse the option it is.

Dang dawg, you're already at 900? That was fast lol

Well, but if you're domiciled in California, then in theory you live in California and have to pay taxes there. Even if you're based in Dallas for instance? Right?

It's a little tight to get to a major before 4-5 years. Probably more like 6-7 is more realistic. But you're reasoning is smart and makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

That being said you will move up to higher spots in your regional and will be easier to upgrade. Or at least I'd think so.

IF you LIVE in California you have to pay California State tax. If you are BASED in California but LIVE outside the state, you do not need to pay California taxes unless 50% or more of your flying is IN California, which even if you are based at LAX won’t be the case. Which is why a lot of pilots commute from LAS.

I don't know you or your situation, but why the focus on these high cost of living areas? If you do the regionals right, you'll be flying so much that you really won't be able to fully enjoy where you live anyway. You can string out your regional career for a decade plus or make short work of it in 2-3 years, that is entirely up to you and how much work you put in. For example, aiming for a gig with domiciles in Texas will give you cheaper rent and no state income taxes, and in most cases usually better seniority for things like holding a line and upgrading.

Save the high end coastal living for after you get to a major. Trust me, you don't want to live in Miami on less than 100k/year anyway.

Unrelated to the California discussion, but it'd be relevant if someone searched for a thread like this in the future...

9E provides $50/month for commuters in NYC. It can be added to your paycheck (and taxed), or it can be paid in a commuter card (and not taxed). The commuter card can be used to pay for shared Uber/Lyfts and pretty much any transportation ticket/pass you can buy.

Cue the "but the vaaaaaan" folks in 3... 2...