average F/O salary in the U.S for a pilot starting out at the regional level is 18,000USD a year. While being a pilot is considered a part time job, it leaves you with no time for another job.
Its been said that being a regional airline pilot is equal to pulling the pin on the grenade that is your financial future.
Captains at the regional level make around 36k and up.
The problem is the F/O pay. Its sickening its hard to make it through the ranks to be captain without living off of powdered soup and pepsi.
The cost of living in the U.S is incredible. No one can live on the salary at the regional level.