are there different levels for a commercial pilot in controling the plane and hows that affect the payment?

Answer 1

If your talking about pilot salaries, then yes there are 2 main categories, comercail non-ATP, and commercial w/ ATP... Many regional airlines dont require that the pilots have the ATP, most reccomend that you have at least the ATP written, however. Major carriers flat out demand that you have the full ATP and thus, they pay better, lots better. The whole payscale with airlines is based on the type of plane you fly and the number of years you have been with the company... starting out, pay is poor at any airline, after a few years, you make good money with the major carriers, you need about 10 years before your making a comfortable living with a regional airlines...

Answer 2

Pay tends to go with the size of the aircraft. A pilot would start out flying right seat, that is, first officer. Once the pilot has gained sufficient experience, he can be promoted to captain. Captains earn more as they progress to larger aircraft, with (I believe) 747 pilots being at the top of the pecking order.