How many crews were employed on the J31?
From a copy of the Australian Airlines 1987 Equipment Assignments I have, it lists a fleet strength of 19 Captains and 20 F/O's.
The flat salaries for Captains, ranged from $38,089 for a pilot with one year service to $50,980 for a pilot with 12 years service with the company.
First Officers ranged from $24,940 to $33,319.
I am not certain, but at the time, Australian Airlines had an "Eligibility" or By-pass pay system and maybe if these Brisbane based crews had an eligibility number based on seniority for higher equipment, than that may have meant they received higher pay if a lower seniority pilot was on that type in Melbourne. As the J31 had a flat salary compared to the "component" structure of the other fleet units, it is likely that was not applicable for these guys.
Trainee salaries were $18,455 on commencement and then $23,519 for the first six months.