I dont think pay has improved but the simple fact is they need pilots. I believe the E3 visa states from the employer that they will not pay the expats any less than the locals.
Yes, we can go on about cost of living and conditions etc but most of the folk making the jump over are getting straight on to a jet. Its the opportunity people are going over for.
I don't think there is too much downward pressure on wages. Continued pilot shortage or more specifically (shortage of experienced pilots) will create more demand, more jobs and more pay. As we have been seeing the last 18+months some definite movement finally in the oceanic region
Originally Posted by
Transition Layer
I'm surprised by all this talk of jobs with US Regionals flying Jets and how awesome their selection process and training system is...aren't these the same companies notorious for low salaries and pilots living on food stamps. Or has the pay improved dramatically in recent years? I understand cost of living in the US outside of the major cities is substantially cheaper than here which would go some way to making it more attractive but our overall quality of life here is much better (Healthcare/Schools/Universities).
By allowing Aussie pilots to fly over there, they've opened up the pool of suitable applicants and surely this keeps downward pressure on wages. Same with the old 457 program here in Australia (which I believe has just kicked off again for Pilots in "regional" areas).