My calculations...based on my pay stubs.

Mesa 2nd year: $27K (per diem included)
SKYW 2nd year: $40K (per diem included)

This assumes flying, not reserve guarantee. SKW work rules make the difference.

I fly the EMB-120 for SKW and I average 14-15 days off per month. I currently hold 4 day trips all month long and all are commutable on at least one if not both sides.

(These are first year pay numbers) With the line I hold I'm averaging 102 credit hours of pay for about 90 hours block per month. This includes around 350 hours of per diem per month. Before taxes I'm bringing home close to $2500 per month (Per Diem included). Holding these numbers consistent then I should average $3200 per month after taxes on second year EMB pay.

Jet pilots consistently average 85-90 credit hours per month. If you do the math with second year pay that should be over $3600 per month (Per Diem included) before taxes.

EMB pilots are able to operate 1200 hrs per year as compared to the 1000 for the jet. Being 30 Pax we are able to fly 121 while operating under 135 hours.

EMB Estimated (Includes Per Diem)
1st YR = $30K
2nd YR = $38K

CRJ Estimated (Includes Per Diem)
1st YR = $26K
2nd YR = $42K

How does SkyWest pay per diem, just on overnights or all duty hours?

both, however if you just do locals, i.e. no overnights, the per diem is taxable... It's paid from 45 minutes prior to your first flight to 15 minutes after you block in on your last flight.

they tax per diem when you dont overnight? thats interesting, is this standard at all companies?

Companies don't tax you, the IRS does. All of the companies have to follow the same rules, so yes this is standard. It actually makes your taxes a real nuisance if you want to claim federal per diem rates.

Question: How hard is it to get a Portland base for Skywest? Thanks.

It looks like new hires are going there now (EMB), but captain is 6 years.

This is great info guys. Are any Xjet F/O's able to say how their 1st and 2nd year pay (including per diem) stacks up agains SKYW?

Sorry. Add a couple of grand a year, and it's not really going to bring those numbers closer.

Trying to say that pay (after first year) at SkyWest and Mesa is "not really that different" is ludicrous, even if you don't count the work rule differences.