How Much Is Regional Pilot Pay?

As of this post a 6 year CRJ 200 Captain at one of the so-called better regional airlines makes about $63,000. This is due to schedule as it is hard to get a good schedule. But then why should a professional pilot have to fly 90+ hours and give up a few days to make a better living.

At this pay it is almost necessary to have the spouse work because working for an airline does not allow a pilot to live in an inexpensive area like small town midwest. You have to live in cities like Dallas, Atlanta, New York, etc. and $63,000 does not go a long way.

Oh and by the way this is considered too high of a wage now that management is trying to drive the wages in the ground. There are a lot of 6th year regional airline captains making much less.

Take a guess what the pay increases are for a captain at a regional airline. This particular captain the makes $63,000 a year gets about $1.75 an hour increase a year. This is equal to about $140 a month extra pay raise. After taxes the net take home yearly pay raise is about $112.

That is really sad isn't it! This pilot pay raise does not keep up with inflation or even the cost of gas. Being an airline pilot today is actually moving in reverse when it comes to career advancement. I can't think of too many jobs like this.

Sure many pilots and others might say "well if you don't like it get out". Easier said then done but yes this is what many airline pilots are doing. At this pay it is obvious that staying could be very risky and costly.

First year First Officers qualify for government aid and food stamps.