Clarification
 

On the payscales for all airlines.

When it says 1 yr capt, 2 yr capt, and so on. Does this mean that after you have been in the company for 2 yrs, or does it mean as a captain for 2 yrs?

yes, if you're an f/o for 5 years and upgrade to Capt. You become a 5 year Capt, for pay and seniority.

Cool, that helps out alot, I mean alot. Now there is hope in the explanations i post to my wife for my career choice.

It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the rule. Some of the less than desirable companies out there will roll back pay levels when you upgrade (IE 5th year FO upgrades to CA and starts over at 1st year CA pay). Most of the time it isn't a big issue since upgrades come quickly at these companies, but senior FOs might face a paycut in some circumstances.