And the fact pilots (in the U.S. anyway) make only slightly more money than a McDonalds employee.
SOME pilots on regional flights make a really low salary, but that's because they experience requirements for them are incredibly low.
Working those jobs is like a continuation of school, except you get paid just enough to buy food, instead of paying for the right to fly.
Most regional jet pilots barely make enough to survive after they have a 4 year degree and have qualified for a number of ratings (licenses).
After becoming a regional pilot, they then have a shot (small percentage chance) of working for a major carrier making approximately $50k per year (this would be someone in their late 20s early 30s applying for that job in most cases). If they are lucky they will make captain 20 years down the road and make $150k.
http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/pilot-salary-SRCH_KO0,5.ht...
Average salary for a pilot at American Eagle - a regional airline affiliated with American - is 46k. Average salary for a fast-food manager/assistant manager are 33-39k (see my link upthread).
http://www.aviationinterviews.com/pilot/payrates/American-Ea...
Notice how the FO (first officer) also called copilot starts at $21,669?
Here is the shocking thing, if that same guy got a job as a store manager at American Eagle Outfitters, he would make almost 50% more: http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/American-Eagle-Outfitters-Sa...
And, before you say you should compare captains wages with manager wages, remember, the guy flying the plane is way better qualified to run an American Eagle Outfitters than the manager.
But, what is the upper limit at American Eagle??? Well after you put in 20 years of service and you fly their absolute biggest jet you can expect to make just under $85k per year: Here is what you fly: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_ERJ_145_family
I'm not saying piloting is a bad job, I'm just saying that there are a lot of low paying jobs out there in Aviation and I think it is funny how little information people have on the topic. In short, it isn't "total" bullshit.
Really?
Pilots http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Airline_Pilot%2c_Cop...
McDonalds http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Industry=Fast_Food_Resta...
"On the low end, first-year pilots at US Airways would, theoretically, earn a minimum $21,600 a year. For that, they would work 72 hours a month at the controls of a plane (lots more hours are involved in flight preparations, overnights and sitting around waiting)."
Now I'm living in the US. Every time I travel (either inside the US or to South America) I feel like American companies are not even trying.
Considering you can regularly fly NYC-SFO round-trip for about $250, a distance of 5000 miles, I think they're doing a pretty good job.
If you want free food and nicer seats, fly first class.
I would search by that, if it was an option. But in practice most (airline, aircraft) pairs all have the same entertainment options, so you can figure it out yourself with a little googling.
On the seniority note, the Vietnam era pilots must be mostly retired by now, they used to dominate the seniority charts. People would get trained to fly by the military and then go straight into the airlines afterward.
Stewardesses face similar issues, though I think some get below minimum wage while doors are not closed.
Its not the glamorous industry make it out to be, it can be worthwhile pay wise if you stick with it. Which is similar to many other jobs.
My cousin lived with his parents for many years flying jets for a feeder airline. He really didn't feel he was doing well till he was flying as Captain with 100+ seat jets.