Really, all of these wage 'compilations' are irrelevant and inaccurate.
There are a few simple rules all pilots use when quoting their own, or others (mates who have just got a new job) salary.
- Length of time in job, the newer The Pilot in a company the greater the salary quoted, the perception of how much this is decreases in a linear function with time.
- The pilot adjusts his salary according to who he is telling. Family and non aviation related friends are given vastly inflated figures, or just a sly nod when asked 'Wow you must make a lot of money being a pilot!'
- The salary is also adjusted up wards when The Pilot is at the pub and happens to strike up a conversation with a non aviation related female.
- The salary is adjusted down wards when The Pilot is at work and talking to colleagues, especially approaching EBA time.
- Mates of The Pilot who have secured new employment always make more money and have better conditions, at least for the first year.
- The real money however, is overseas. The Pilot often quotes about the vast amounts of money that can be made especially in the middle east.
- After some length of time overseas The Pilot then starts quoting the salary to be made 'back home' with any low cost carrier, you know it's not that bad really...