Ask them to buy you a beer.

I just tell them what I make. I have no problem discussing it with folks. I would love to see the myth of the big $$ go away.

Besides the first year, pay at most regionals for someone holding a line is decent, especially for those under 25. If you're under 25 and a Captain you're doing very well compared to most other fields.

We should send the myth to "Myth Busters" and see how they handle it.

Someone needs to find a way to make the myth a reality.

No, that's not really true. It's not difficult for someone with a college degree to find a job that pays 50-60k after a few years, which is what an under-25 regional captain would make. Most who enter the corporate world with a degree will start around 40-50k and get a raise at the end of year 1.

I like to tell them that the only way I can afford my studio apartment is to have a second job as a waitress. That always shocks people.

The other day I had a flight attendant complain about how much she makes and that she never tips the van drivers because she can't afford it. She got all "woe is me" on me and started trying to guilt trip me because I make so much more than she does. It turns out the woman makes almost 50% more than I do. I don't think she quite understood the ridiculousness of the situation but at least now she knows.

Depends on whether or not they are female...

Bingo - I generally don't get into salary discussions with strangers, but I'm forthcoming with family/friends/neighbors, and they are shocked. Sometimes I'll ask first what it is they think I make. The flying public should know how it is. Also, my neighbor came up to me one day and said you don't get paid when your flight is delayed only when the door is shut? Another surprise...

Why would you ever admit you're a pilot to a girl? Actually, why would you admit you're a pilot to anyone? I made that mistake a few times, and got harassed to hell and back by people with their stupid questions, stupid jokes that nobody laughs at, and general pompous attitude.

I just make up something when anyone asks me.

Kerosene Conversion Specialist? Check.
Classified Boeing R&D? Bingo.
Honeywell Avionics Programmer? Yep.
Pilot? Hell no.

As an FO we peak at 50K WITH per diem. As a Capt we can just see over 100K at our peak. (regionals) Since the AVERAGE american income is CNN reported today around $600.00 per paycheck (they work 40hr weeks/160 hr months). A 1st yr FO is making just around that (75hr month). So I don't see how the general public will feel bad for us. Think about it... we may not make the hundreds of thousands of dollars airline pilots used to make right away. But we still break 50K when we upgrade 3-5 yrs with company already. That is consistant with any prof. job out there for the MOST part. Would I like better pay YES! but I cannot complain when I look at other ppl. I have a buddy that works at JPL that makes 40K and that was after working for around 30K for 3 yrs under NASA/JPL department at UCLA. It is just the GODDD awfull 1st yr pay we have to overcome.