Highest Paid Pilots

[767-300ER]

An IPA union board member told me last year that UPS informed him that 5 captains made over $300K, and that the average captain's W-2 (in 2001) was something like $225K.

When (?) we match Delta, most of UPS's captains will be pulling in close to $300K a year.

UPS. Not the best place to work, but you've effectively won a lottery when you get a class date.

767-300ER

 

[ILStoMinimums]

No wonder so many people want to work for a company that has a potential of making so much money! And what I find interesting, is SWA is making quite a profit with such nice wages!

But how much would a CA make flying just a normal schedule that gives him time with the family, etc...?

 

[Singlecoil]

Highest paid

DAL 777 Capt $23k per month
NWA 747-400 Capt $19k/month
FED Ex Widebody Capt 17k/month
Cal/Ual (post concession) top capt rates 17k/month
UPS Capt 17k/month
Alaska Capt 15k/month
ATA L1011 Capt 14k/month
American 777 Capt 13k/month
SWA Captain 13k/month


Some of the top rates I found....

Not to split hairs, but Alaska Capts make 16k/month now, going up to 16.7k/month in May.

 

[UPSFO]

Too often, I've seen guys try to hang their self-esteem on their hourly compensation. As Martin Sheen said in the movie Wallstreet, "You can't judge a man by the size of his wad"!

A true apples to apples comparison includes total compensation and factors the intangibles such as quality of life, which I guess equates to scheduling and commuting rules. UPS has one of the best benefits packages I've seen, althought the A plan lags a bit. Pay is also one of the better in the industry for Captains but consider the fact that a new hire with children qualifies for government cheese and upgrades are currently projected to run about 11-12 years! Had I gone to SWA, I'd be close to upgrade and have about seven to eight extra years on Capts pay compared to UPS. Of course I've got a lot more money in my A and B fund accounts. Quality of life? SWA wins when it comes to the "H" factor (that's happiness!) but I must admit that my quality of life as a reserve line holder in domicile has been outstanding. (That, of course, could change at anytime here!)
I'm more familiar with SWA, as I seriously considered working there, although this argument can go round and round for any other carrier.

The point? It's pretty hard to figure out where the truly "best" compensation packages are and a big pay check doesn't make one pilot group better than another. It's real nice to get an idea where you stand with the rest of the industry and this arguement is great to cherry pick for contract negotiations. I certainly expect the IPA to negotiate a contract that tops us in most if not all categories of the compensation package and I hope that serves the rest of the industry in future contract negotiations.

The best airline? The one that hires you!

 

[SWAdude]

UPSFO

The title of this thread is "highest paid pilot".

I don't think we are "comparing size". Just addressing the subject of the thread.

But you are right. Quality of life is a basket full of needs. And its different for everyone of us. And it can change over time.

SWAdude

 

[HA25]

I can't believe American is down so low... The airline is doing quite well considering... I'll bet they'll be first in line for that big raise when conditions turn around in this God foresaken industry.

 

[767-300ER]

FWIW, I haven't flown with one captain at UPS that made less than $200K.

I made $130K last year (6-year F/O) flying 210 hours.

A guy not wanting to work much at UPS bids reserve in his domicile (SDF, ONT, and MIA). I fly about 200 hours/year on reserve. High time lines? Believe it or not, they go senior. Reserve goes relatively junior. Seems backwards, doesn't it?

 

[de727ups]

Uhhh....

I flew 101 hours last year as a senior lineholder on the 727...hehe...

Those days are over, though, as I start 757 school in March.

 

[767-300ER]

Not bad, my friend! You'll like the 757/767. Good luck on the upgrade.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

It's not that tough...although I have heard that if you cough up $50K, UPS will let you log PIC in the right seat a 757/767. The rates are a little higher for the 747, but less for the 727.

 

[bobbysamd]

Legitimacy v. flamebait

Very funny, i'm trying to ask a legit question and this is what i get.

Define "legitimacy." As a P-F-Ter and probable fraud, not necessarily in that order, you are illegitimate and are not deserving of a legitimate answer.

 

[bobbysamd]

Legitimacy v. flamebait . . . or, should I say, "that's entertainment?"

Bobby quite your whining, you're just a wannabe airline pilot, not a real one like me!

First off, why don't you learn English? The word should be "quit," not "quite." And, are you able to write any more than one sentence at a time?

No, you are not an airline pilot, little boy. It's right here on your TAB Website. You are a Part 135 operation and you are a P-F-T 135 "pilot":

* Part 135/121 Airline Basic Indoctrination
* Beechcraft 1900 Airliner Systems Training
* Type Rating
* Interview Prep
* Interviews with Bridge Airlines
* 250 hrs Paid Internship on TAB Express Airline
* Hired by Bridge Airline at 500 hrs

That 250 hours paid internship, very curiously, sounds like your P-F-T "competition" in South Florida. Could this be considered to be copycat crime? Tell us, TABExpress F/O, why did you choose TAB over that outfit?

Two more reasons that I know you are Part 135 are: (1) you are not advertising any FA positions on your employment webpage:

Captains - First Officers (experienced) - First Officers (no experience)
Mechanics - Ramp Personnel

Why no flight attendants? It is because airlines operate under Part 121 and require flight attendants.

(2) According to this page, you hold yourself out as an "on-demand" operation:

With our home base in Daytona Beach and operating as an on-demand charter airline, TAB Express Airline will soon serve over a dozen destinations in Florida and the Bahamas, with plans to expand into Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas in the near future.

On-demand operations, by definition, operate under 14 CFR 135.

So, TabExpress F/O, Mr. Concorde, or whoever you are, you are not an "airline" pilot. At best, you are a 135 pilot. Big difference between the two.

In any event, whining or not, jealous or not, employed as an airline pilot or not, no aviation employer I ever worked for conditioned my employment on my remitting money for training as a condition of hire.

I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend if it makes you feel alright
I'll get you anything my friend if it makes you feel alright
'Cause I don't care too much for money, and money can't buy me love

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too
I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love . . . .

--The Beatles, circa 1965

. . . . but money certainly can buy you an airline pilot "job," as you have demonstrated.

(Second note to self: Do not respond to flamebait.)

 

[de727ups]

UPS

"It's not that tough...although I have heard that if you cough up $50K, UPS will let you log PIC in the right seat a 757/767."

Dude, don't even suggest it. Our management would love to find another way to take advantage of the pilot group.

Tab Express F/O...I won't be answering any of your questions.

Bobby...The guy's a troll. Just ignore him.

 

[Tim47SIP]

Tab boy

Bobby quite your whining, you're just a wannabe airline pilot, not a real one like me!

So that is what I need to do to be a "real airline pilot" like you. Man, just think, I have been going about this in the wrong direction. Thanks for giving me a heads up to know the direction to take to further my career. I need to apply to Tab!

Bobby

I think he is flying 1900's. If that is the case (19 seats), they don't need FA's. Baby Tab is the FA. And remember, he is experienced and has the skills to be an airline pilot unlike many of us wannabe's! A retired Delta pilot told him so! So we need to give him a break.

 

[Purple Haze]

Bobby vs Tab Boy

Bobby Mature, wise, professional - a pilot.

Tab Boy Immature, arrogant, unprofessional - pathetic.

 

[bobbysamd]

Flamebait v. FUN

Bobby...The guy's a troll. Just ignore him.

I know. I'm not answering him as much as I'm trying to educate others who don't know and entertain others who do know!

Originally posted by Purple Haze
Bobby Mature, wise, professional - a pilot.

Thank you, my friend.

 

[LAXSaabdude]

Re: Re: UPS

Don, i'm sorry you won't be answering any of my questions because i had lots to ask you about the 757/767.

Cuz I'm just SURE you'll be flying one any day now!

LAXSaabdude.

 

[LAXSaabdude]

Re: Re: Re: Re: UPS

Actually i will before not too long.

A lie told often enough becomes the truth.
Lenin (1870 - 1924)

LAXSaabdude.

 

[LAXSaabdude]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: UPS

We'll see who ends up in the 757 before whom.

I guess when they start a PFT program in a 757, it'll be you!

LAXSaabdude.

 

[bobbysamd]

Drinking TAB or drinking Kool-Aid

I think he is flying 1900's. If that is the case (19 seats), they don't need FA's.

True, under 14 CFR 121.391. But they are holding themselves out as an on-demand charter, which 14 CFR 135 governs:

Sec. 135.1 - Applicability.

(a) This part prescribes rules governing --

(1) The commuter or on-demand operations of each person who holds or is required to hold an Air Carrier Certificate or Operating Certificate under part 119 of this chapter.

(emphasis added)

Sorry, TABExpress F/O, you are 135. See also deadstick's comment on this thread regarding the ages of TAB captains (the Age 60 Rule mandates Part 121, i.e. airline pilot retirement or downgrades from pilot positions).

Now, for the piece d'resistance, here's a glass of Kool-Aid, direct from TAB (sorry to mix soft drinks):

Now is the time to start your airline career. Almost 50% of the current airline pilots will be retiring within the next ten years. Air Inc’s hiring forecast is projecting approximately 5,000 new pilot jobs in 2004! According to Bombardier, the regional aircraft fleet will more than double by 2020! They also estimate that 8,345 regional aircraft will be delivered during that period!

(emphasis added)

Kit at his best! Kit + TAB = Conjob!