Do you feel, post 9/11, Airline Pilots are over or under paid?

Question

Regional Pilots over or under paid?
Major Pilots over or under paid?

What should they make?

Answer 1

I am a regional airline pilot, and I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I applied, I dont belive we are underpaid, because most are "on average" with every other airline.... Now if that average is a bit low, I dont know and I wont say.... If you look at it from the vantage point that you spent more than 100 thousand dollars in training and you come out, responsible for 50+ people's lives at any one time, and you are getting paid $20,000, then yes, you are underpaid... A doctor may spend that much in training, but when they come out, they are making a hell of a lot more than 20K...

I will never complain about my earnings however... its a path that I chose and I love it... Yes, I have to live cheap for a few years, but I get to do what I love most, FLY!

Answer 2

That is a very good question. I am a Regional Airline pilot. I really don't know if I'm over or under paid. I do know that a lot of pilots are fed up with management. Especially since airline executives continue to receive millions of dollars in bonuses every year. Also, quality of life is a big issue. Pilots don't want to be called on every day off to come in and fly because their company will not staff the airline properly. There are so many issues, and pay is just one of them. Most airline pilots belong to a union. Personally, I'm not a big fan of unions, but they do serve a purpose. They keep they're respective companies in check. However, the grievance process takes a lot of time.

I kind of went off on a tangent, so my answer to your question is...I don't know. Pilots have a huge responsibility. I don't know how much payment is considered fair. Historically, airline contracts are negotiated based on what other similar airlines have. On the other side of the coin is management. They have a huge responibility also. They have to keep their business profitable.

Answer 3

My wife works for an airline.

In her opinion, their pilots are overpaid.

Answer 4

In my day to day life, I have absolutely no idea what a pilot gets paid, nor do I think the average person does either.

Answer 5

with respect to what the executives make, underpaid, with respect to what stewardesses and mechanics make, overpaid. The airline industry has a very poor system of valuing its help.