these are professional people much like doctors or lawyers living like beggars.
Why do we flatter ourselves?
Even though Pilot's are expected to act professionally, I think you will find that working in Aviation, including being an Airline Captain, is not a Profession in the true sense of the word.
Doctors & Lawyers have their own governing bodies which oversee their own members including discipline and entry standards. This is one of several key characteristics of a professional body that aviation does not have.
Out of interest, I understand that Maritime Captains are considered to be of a 'Profession'.