Go Back  Airline Pilot Central Forums > Airline Pilot Forums > Regional
Does first year pay matter? >

Does first year pay matter?

Search

Notices
Regional Regional Airlines
View Poll Results: I am choosing an airline and 1st year pay is:
a MAJOR factor.
43
21.72%
an IMPORTANT factor.
86
43.43%
a MINOR factor.
47
23.74%
NOT a factor.
22
11.11%
Voters: 198. You may not vote on this poll

Does first year pay matter?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-18-2015 | 03:06 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 923
Likes: 0
Default Does first year pay matter?

I am a prospective new-hire, zero 121, deciding on the best regional airline for myself and family. I hear a tremendous amount of chatter from existing 121 pilots that first year pay is one of the largest factors in a new-hire's decision of "best airline." This has made me curious as to the reality or falsehood of the idea. Please vote if you are a prospective new-hire or are considering a lateral move.

My main reason in posting the poll is to find out whether this is something other applicants actually care about. Personally first-year pay is a relatively small part of my airline decision. Second, third, and succeeding-year pay is much more important along with career progression opportunities.

Thanks!!
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 03:13 PM
  #2  
aTomatoFlames's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: die Pilotin
Default

The major factor in my decision was living in base.
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 03:22 PM
  #3  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
Default

First priority should be living in base. Second priority should be avoiding stagnant airlines and/or 50 seat operators.

Living in base + company net growth = reserve from home, quickly hold a line, and upgrade fairly quickly which in turn creates the best quality of life you can expect at a regional.
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 03:26 PM
  #4  
Line Holder
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Default

You know first year pay bites at all regionals, but you still have to be able to pay your basic bills. In most places this means better than 30k living like a church mouse. It's up to the airline if they intend to keep someone after that- a small family really needs 50k to get along nowadays.
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 04:38 PM
  #5  
prex8390's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 7
Default

It's gonna suck no matter what. Find a place that has a base where you wanna be/where you live. Commuting blows.
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 05:14 PM
  #6  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,941
Likes: 0
Default

Do what is best for you and your family and don't come to the regionals.
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 05:46 PM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 75
Default

Originally Posted by Riverside
Do what is best for you and your family and don't come to the regionals.
Yep, pick one, a family or an airline job at a regional. They are mutually exclusive. With the upcoming pilot pinch the majors aren't going to be any better, you might get paid more but you still will have a hard time keeping a family together.
Reply
Old 07-18-2015 | 07:41 PM
  #8  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
Default

Id say its a compounded problem, if your flight instructing then go to Compass or XJT where you get no pay, and a small amount of per-diem, during training. Then go to year 1 pay and have to commute spending money on that you will have a problem. Unless your married and your spouse works or your parents or kids or somebody is giving you money. I think I had 3 pay checks above $1,500 during training, at some companies that's more than both checks for the month.
Reply
Old 07-19-2015 | 04:40 AM
  #9  
sevenforseven's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Prone
Default

Originally Posted by Waitingformins
Id say its a compounded problem, if your flight instructing then go to Compass or XJT where you get no pay, and a small amount of per-diem, during training. Then go to year 1 pay and have to commute spending money on that you will have a problem. Unless your married and your spouse works or your parents or kids or somebody is giving you money. I think I had 3 pay checks above $1,500 during training, at some companies that's more than both checks for the month.
Compass doesn't pay during training?
Reply
Old 07-19-2015 | 07:33 AM
  #10  
Snuffaluffagus's Avatar
Line Holder
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: 737 FO
Default

Originally Posted by sevenforseven
Compass doesn't pay during training?
Compass does pay. Of course people on this site like to spew "information" when they have no idea what they're talking about.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TheManager
Major
9584
07-28-2015 12:15 PM
Wang Bin
Hiring News
0
09-04-2014 10:50 PM
labbats
Allegiant
244
06-25-2014 05:50 PM
captain_drew
Flight Schools and Training
39
12-05-2012 08:29 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices