Wanting to hire 500 quality candidates per year in a competitive environment might incentivize them. Ups has it backwards on this imo. Usually airlines WANT to raise first year pay to attract talent and unions are pushing to pad the top end of the seniority list. I don’t know if they have found themselves in this situation before but I’d guess not. We shall see.

For those that are on the fence. I started in 2021 and I averaged $5000 a month before tax. Lots of different premiums you get and I did zero JA. Made $1000 per month average in per diems, (not income but some of you do consider it). Yes it sucks, much better now though!

UPS always bets on the downturn…this is no diff.

First year pay is my biggest concern to apply at UPS. I retire from the military in 2024 and that will help offset some but with a mortgage, kids and non-working spouse, I will definitely notice the pay difference. Looking at second year pay with a legacy; they just do not compare to UPS. Any thoughts? TIA

Meh. Thousands of UPS pilots have done it and lived to tell the tale. You're only on first year pay once.

You have to look at it from the long game perspective.

Every situation is different, but I honestly didn't notice a huge difference between my active duty pay and my retirement+disability+year 1 pay. Disability is a big one that many don't consider - you obviously can't bank on it, but it was a nice surprise to get unexpected income. I also had a good amount of leave to take, so the first couple months were double dipping. We didn't have any debt so we just hunkered down and opened a no interest for 18 month credit card to cover any emergencies. Next thing you know, the year is over and you can't remember how you lived on year one pay. If you can make it work, it is worth it in my opinion. Good luck.

Maybe add up both ups and the legacy you're considering for a three year earnings total. Make sure you include 401k money. Not only is ups first year pay horrible they contribute zero to your 401k.

I'm curious what totals you come up with.

If you sell the kids, you can save a fortune....

The smarter play is not to have them....