Originally Posted by
aussieflyboy
If you’re a QF Group Jet Captain (except maybe Network) the point where you ‘break even’ is somewhere between 12-18 years. It’s very variable and obviously difficult to calculate. It’s also very personal as you could pay more off your home/personal debt by staying as a Capt which compounds over time as does the extra super your would earn by staying a Capt.
I don't think 12-18 years is an accurate assessment. A short-haul FO will earn more than a Captain at NJS while still maintaining life at home simply because of the type of flying. Good luck getting into overtime by bouncing between MEL and CBR on the 717. I have seen rosters of 140 hours of duty for base salary at NJS...no thank you. Depending on when a command comes about at mainline, the career earnings will significantly diverge at that point. Not to mention the QOL in the meantime. If you have at least 20 years left, going to mainline would be a no-brainer, but each to their own.