Currently work a part 91 job making $35K a year regardless of time (not much time actually). What kind of pay cut would be expected making a jump to the regionals? I know it depends on who you work for and lots of other factors, but is there any method for rough estimates? I have heard take the hourly rate and convert it to 1,000. Aka $22/hr would be roughly $22K a year.

The pay cut is really whats keeping me back from making the jump.

 

The 1000 x method is generally the after taxes rate at least, but the bigger picture very much depends on contract language. If you can live in base you will (1) Save money by not commuting (2) Be flexible to pick up open time and pad your pay check a bit. If you're serious about this "career" you'll have to bite the bullet eventually (be it 121 or whatever). Good luck to ya.

 

The hourly rate x 1000 is not a bad method to use for a rough calculation but it will yield a slightly more optimistic estimate. One thing to remember about your first year is that part of that year (2-3 months) you will be in training earning anywhere from jack squat to your full normal guarantee. After that you will probably be on reserve for at least a few months. Depending on the airline and the month, you may fly very little as a reserve, from almost nothing to just barely breaking guarantee. Or you may fly right up to 100 hours every month with lots of soft time from deadheading,, etc.

If you want a number you can absolutely plan on, try this:
Monthly Guarantee (typically 70-75 hours/mo) x hourly rate x months left after you finish training. So 75 x 22 x 10 = $16500
Note: These calculations don't include per diem, retirement contributions or any of that. So your true compensation may be higher. But they call it guarantee for a reason.

 

Pinnacle 3,200/mo training $26/HR*75(1,950mo) + 1300/mo perdiem
2,400/mo online (95 HR)
About 30,000 1st year.

(this is contract. Guys in TRNG may have another story)

 

I find these numbers real hard to believe. I've never heard of anyone coming close to those numbers their first year. I still haven't broken 30K, I will this year but I am also on FOURTH year pay. I'd say plan on 24K your first year, WITH per diem.

 

First year is going to suck no matter where you go. Assuming you hold a line as an RJ FO in your second year, you could make $35K+. Even just as a reserve in your second year you'd get a minimum of around 930hrs of pay if you never broke guarantee(75 x12=900 plus holiday and online recurrent pay). The hourly rate is $36.60.

Lineholders average around 85hrs a month. Could be as low as 75, or up over a 100. At 85hrs a month you're above $37K plus another $4-6k in per diem.

I work with a number of FOs that make mid 40K and above.

 

Where do you work? My W2 for 2010 on THIRD year pay was 27K, of course that doesn't count per diem. My hourly rate was around $37, I did one month of high speeds and two months of reserve, every other month I broke guarantee. I don't pick up open time because 1.) I have a life and 2.) with my schedule I always had min days off so it was almost impossible to pick up more flying. I think people are lying to you about what they made.

 

How is that possible? Everyone is flying 95 hours. W+F?

 

In my first year @ Air Wisconsin in 2006, I made $25k including perdiem; in 2007 on 2nd year pay I was on pace to make about $45k including perdiem before I left.

I didn't pick up much extra flying, and bid back-to-back trips since I lived in domicile.

But don't EVER build a budget on any credit above guarantee...just don't do it. Live on guarantee, and anything above that is just gravy.

 

You've gotta add the total amount you make now and multiply by 5years (35x5) $175k vs. Rj pay years 1 thru 5 added up. My w2s (roughly 16,36, 46, 90, 76) $264k. As you get further along the difference is more drastic. Btw, its the same cost benefit calculations for moving rj capt to major FO. Also, you didn't provide your current QOL but if you get on a decent regional, you'll have a pretty good life off reserve. My .02cents.