Ten most overpaid jobs in the US, No. 9 Pilots!?!?!
Most professions have a top end with good money/relatively little work involved. How many reach that level is a different matter.
Yes some senior Captains make a lot of money and choose the trips they want to exotic destinations or stay home on reserve and fly once or twice a month to stay current.
Most major airline, let alone pilots in general don't.
After years of working your way up in lesser jobs ,paying for training or risking danger in the military a small number make it to that level and for a few years before retirement have it very good.
A reasonable incentive to the rest of us to enter a profession with very little job security ,where you are under constant threat from a take over ,failed medical ,bad checkride etc. Not to mention the divorce rate.
Many professions would look at a senior pilots earnings as what they would expect mid career ,increasing greatly before retirement.
I don't see judges or senior civil servants on the list .Imagine not being able to be sacked for poor performance ,company can't go broke and a guaranteed inflation proof pension on retirement.
About the only one job I agree totally with is CEOs of failing companies. I can't see any pilot causing a reduction in company profits through his incompetence being given a multi million dollar golden goodbye can you ?
Yes some senior Captains make a lot of money and choose the trips they want to exotic destinations or stay home on reserve and fly once or twice a month to stay current.
Most major airline, let alone pilots in general don't.
After years of working your way up in lesser jobs ,paying for training or risking danger in the military a small number make it to that level and for a few years before retirement have it very good.
A reasonable incentive to the rest of us to enter a profession with very little job security ,where you are under constant threat from a take over ,failed medical ,bad checkride etc. Not to mention the divorce rate.
Many professions would look at a senior pilots earnings as what they would expect mid career ,increasing greatly before retirement.
I don't see judges or senior civil servants on the list .Imagine not being able to be sacked for poor performance ,company can't go broke and a guaranteed inflation proof pension on retirement.
About the only one job I agree totally with is CEOs of failing companies. I can't see any pilot causing a reduction in company profits through his incompetence being given a multi million dollar golden goodbye can you ?
Last edited by Metro man; 19th Nov 2003 at 07:56.
Simply to torque you off. I am damn sure gonna ask for a few more sports scores from now on when I hear one of my better RT trained brethern on frequency. My God, your tests are harder than ours also. A wonder the N registered planes aren't falling out of the skies.
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Who posts such tosh??!! The aspiring and desparate? Do not sell us short - aim high and hope to achieve a deserved salary one day when you have crawled up to the top. Airlines - hope to continue to attract dedicated intelligent professionals - because yet again, those of us in the know can see how the job has sadly gone downhill, and we need to continue to attract the right calibre of people. I desparately hope my co pilots will have the dedication and integrity to apply themselves adequately - no - adequate is not good enough - skillfully, intelligently, passionately, as I hope I have done for the last 24 years in this, my chosen profession, because a hell of a lot of my fellow first officers see their compatriot graduates in far better paid professions - without the negatives of time away from loved ones, fatigue, lonliness, divorce, fear of losing licence, stress of putting your neck on the line with recurrent checks, fear of some envious person reporting you for political incorrectness, a comment intended to be lighthearted, humorous, taken the wrong way, and I want to be in a good team. Have something high to aim for - then reach for it.
I chose this profession because I love aeroplanes, but I hate the envy and greed that creeps in. And hey Americans, not all Brits are pompous arrogant ****s! And I would like to echo the sentiment that when there is a problem to deal with, none of us are paid enough!
I chose this profession because I love aeroplanes, but I hate the envy and greed that creeps in. And hey Americans, not all Brits are pompous arrogant ****s! And I would like to echo the sentiment that when there is a problem to deal with, none of us are paid enough!
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Overpaid my a$$
The article was clearly written from an uneducated and bias opinion. Most people (but pilots) understand what it takes to become a senior captain at a major airline. They had to pay their dues just like I'm doing right now, that is flight instructing for peanuts. But their hard work, just like mine, will be rewarded.
On another note, it really irritates me to hear lay people like this complain that pilots are overpaid, especially when they use the reason that flying is highly automated.
On another note, it really irritates me to hear lay people like this complain that pilots are overpaid, especially when they use the reason that flying is highly automated.
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November 19, 2003 11:50 AM US Eastern Timezone
Allied Pilots Association Releases Statement in Response to Article about ``10 Most Overpaid Jobs''
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2003--
'Pilots responsible for assets worth $100 million or more and hundreds of lives every day they're on the job'
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), collective bargaining agent for the 13,500 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE:AMR), released the following statement today in response to an article originally posted to the CBS Market Watch Web Site:
"On behalf of the pilots who fly for American Airlines, the world's largest passenger carrier, I would like to register my strong objection at finding 'Pilots for major airlines' included in the piece by Chris Pummer entitled 'The 10 most overpaid jobs in the U.S.' posted to the CBS Market Watch Web Site earlier this month," said Captain John E. Darrah, APA President.
"Airline pilots for major carriers must undergo years of specialized training and experience before assuming responsibility for a corporate asset worth $100 million or more and hundreds of lives every day we're on the job--a profession where we undergo annual proficiency checks, rigorous recurrent training, biannual medical exams, psychological screening and random drug testing, and where any number of relatively minor health ailments can abruptly end our career," said Darrah.
"Many of our pilots are initially trained in the military in service to our country, and begin their airline careers at the age of 30 or older. In fact, we have more than 500 pilots currently on active military duty, with many in harm's way in the Middle East. And speaking of harm's way, each time our pilots go to work, they do so with the awareness that a number of their fellow crewmembers were savagely murdered by terrorists just two short years ago. As a consequence of September 11, 2001, increasing numbers of our pilots are undergoing training as Federal Flight Deck Officers to carry firearms and serve as the vital last line of defense against a terrorist attack--yet another example of the life-and-death responsibilities that our pilots bear.
"The average age of an American Airlines new-hire pilot is around 30 years old, and the typical annual starting salary for pilots with major airlines is around $25,000. There are few professions that require such extensive training and experience at the outset that provide such a low starting salary. The well-compensated airline pilots that Mr. Pummer references are senior Captains with 25-plus years of experience, and they're flying the largest aircraft, with the biggest passenger loads, over the longest distances in commercial aviation.
"While I agree that the work our skilled mechanics perform is vitally important, it's the pilots who bring the ship back safely to earth when something goes wrong. It's not 'automation' or 'technology' that saves hundreds of lives when an aircraft suffers structural failure or the malfunction of a critical component--it's the pilots. How much value do you place on that skill level?
"In just the last few weeks, we have had American Airlines pilots cope with a variety of emergency situations, such as safely landing an aircraft with the nose gear stuck in the 'up' position and, on three occasions, safely landing aircraft that have sustained crippling damage to the engines and airframe from striking large flocks of migratory birds," he said.
"There are numerous other instances where pilots have successfully averted disaster over the years. Consider the 291 passengers aboard an AirTransat A330-200 in the Azores on August 24, 2001 after both engines lost power at cruise altitude due to a leak in the fuel system. The pilots were able to coax the huge jet to glide without power for 20 minutes for about 115 miles over the ocean and land on a military airfield runway, averting a mid-ocean ditching. Did the passengers who gratefully deplaned that day think their pilots were overpaid? I am betting the answer is a resounding 'No!'"
That is the full text of Captain Darrah's statement.
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, American Airlines has furloughed more than 2,000 pilots, with additional furloughs scheduled in the coming months. The contract American Airlines' pilots voted to approve earlier this year contained across-the-board pay cuts of 23 percent. In many instances, pilots have experienced actual pay reductions of up to 40 percent because they have been transferred from Captain to First Officer due to the airline's reduction in operations.
Founded in 1963, APA is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. More information about APA can be found at www.alliedpilots.org.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/...71&newsLang=en
Allied Pilots Association Releases Statement in Response to Article about ``10 Most Overpaid Jobs''
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2003--
'Pilots responsible for assets worth $100 million or more and hundreds of lives every day they're on the job'
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), collective bargaining agent for the 13,500 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE:AMR), released the following statement today in response to an article originally posted to the CBS Market Watch Web Site:
"On behalf of the pilots who fly for American Airlines, the world's largest passenger carrier, I would like to register my strong objection at finding 'Pilots for major airlines' included in the piece by Chris Pummer entitled 'The 10 most overpaid jobs in the U.S.' posted to the CBS Market Watch Web Site earlier this month," said Captain John E. Darrah, APA President.
"Airline pilots for major carriers must undergo years of specialized training and experience before assuming responsibility for a corporate asset worth $100 million or more and hundreds of lives every day we're on the job--a profession where we undergo annual proficiency checks, rigorous recurrent training, biannual medical exams, psychological screening and random drug testing, and where any number of relatively minor health ailments can abruptly end our career," said Darrah.
"Many of our pilots are initially trained in the military in service to our country, and begin their airline careers at the age of 30 or older. In fact, we have more than 500 pilots currently on active military duty, with many in harm's way in the Middle East. And speaking of harm's way, each time our pilots go to work, they do so with the awareness that a number of their fellow crewmembers were savagely murdered by terrorists just two short years ago. As a consequence of September 11, 2001, increasing numbers of our pilots are undergoing training as Federal Flight Deck Officers to carry firearms and serve as the vital last line of defense against a terrorist attack--yet another example of the life-and-death responsibilities that our pilots bear.
"The average age of an American Airlines new-hire pilot is around 30 years old, and the typical annual starting salary for pilots with major airlines is around $25,000. There are few professions that require such extensive training and experience at the outset that provide such a low starting salary. The well-compensated airline pilots that Mr. Pummer references are senior Captains with 25-plus years of experience, and they're flying the largest aircraft, with the biggest passenger loads, over the longest distances in commercial aviation.
"While I agree that the work our skilled mechanics perform is vitally important, it's the pilots who bring the ship back safely to earth when something goes wrong. It's not 'automation' or 'technology' that saves hundreds of lives when an aircraft suffers structural failure or the malfunction of a critical component--it's the pilots. How much value do you place on that skill level?
"In just the last few weeks, we have had American Airlines pilots cope with a variety of emergency situations, such as safely landing an aircraft with the nose gear stuck in the 'up' position and, on three occasions, safely landing aircraft that have sustained crippling damage to the engines and airframe from striking large flocks of migratory birds," he said.
"There are numerous other instances where pilots have successfully averted disaster over the years. Consider the 291 passengers aboard an AirTransat A330-200 in the Azores on August 24, 2001 after both engines lost power at cruise altitude due to a leak in the fuel system. The pilots were able to coax the huge jet to glide without power for 20 minutes for about 115 miles over the ocean and land on a military airfield runway, averting a mid-ocean ditching. Did the passengers who gratefully deplaned that day think their pilots were overpaid? I am betting the answer is a resounding 'No!'"
That is the full text of Captain Darrah's statement.
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, American Airlines has furloughed more than 2,000 pilots, with additional furloughs scheduled in the coming months. The contract American Airlines' pilots voted to approve earlier this year contained across-the-board pay cuts of 23 percent. In many instances, pilots have experienced actual pay reductions of up to 40 percent because they have been transferred from Captain to First Officer due to the airline's reduction in operations.
Founded in 1963, APA is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. More information about APA can be found at www.alliedpilots.org.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/...71&newsLang=en
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I guess I don't have to look at the original article to know that the MOST overpaid job in the US is that held by Chris Pummer. I certainly wouldn't pay the guy $1 for such badly researched rubbish, so whatever he's on is WAY too much.
One for the chop in my book.
One for the chop in my book.
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Well, skycaps didn't do too badly either....
Do you think wedding photographers are duking it out somewhere on another board?
Do you think wedding photographers are duking it out somewhere on another board?
Last edited by flyin' fuhh...; 21st Nov 2003 at 07:15.
None and Airbubba have also contributed with many excellent points.
Many Captains with US major airlines finished their last several years on the annual salary of a long-haul truck driver, after major pay cuts: the most senior 737, MD-80, F-100 Captains with the pay of a US major airline B-737 or MD-80 First Officer. And this is still much more than the most senior ATR-42, ERJ, CRJ or Avro Captains' salaries, on the larger propjets (turboprops), or turbofans with 50-69 seats. This is not to say that truck drivers don't have many acquired skills, however only the ignorant or the envious with an axe to grind (including many of the media's hacks and wannabe's) choose to put the two occupations into one category.
These thousands of career pilots with several US majors flew for thirty or more years until the maximum age of sixty (if they passed their medical exams each six months), and their airlines were either raped by corporate sharks (many cases of this in the 80's, early 90's) and/or entered, possibly barely avoided bankruptcy. Never mind the 9/11 panic and recession.
A former FO buddy (who flew 744 and 777s years ago for Cathay Pacific) here just had his career suddenly terminated, due to a type of heart arrhythmia. Had his first required EKG at age 35. Another guy slipped on a puddle by a coke machine in the pilot lounge and the migraine headaches ended his career-age 51 or so. Not much retirement pay for him.
Another buddy here only got his medical re-instated after several years by "our friends" FAA because somehow the NTSB took notice of S's case and overruled the FAA! Part of his initial problem was due to the report of a very arrogant Cardiologist (he has a "God-Complex": common for many doctors here in the US) in this town, who also grounded a FEDEX pilot merely for telling him about how to better do an EKG!! The FAA bitterly resents being overruled for their random, arbitrary use of unlimited, arrogant authority, having hidden many despicable and cowardly acts in the paper-filled wastelands and cyberspace of their huge, cavernous bureaucracy. It can be like the monster Grendel-but there is no Beowulf who can decisively smite it. Don't believe this? Just read up on Bob Hoover's grounding. He was the only famous guy to suffer through this. Many of the fallen will never be read about. Anyway, other Part 121 pilots were NEVER grounded for my buddy's condition (heart murmor in Latin- i.e. in vino est veritas, or whatever...)! Only TWO airline pilots in twenty years have had their denial/revocation of a First Class medical overruled by the NTSB! Why not more?
Many Captains with US major airlines finished their last several years on the annual salary of a long-haul truck driver, after major pay cuts: the most senior 737, MD-80, F-100 Captains with the pay of a US major airline B-737 or MD-80 First Officer. And this is still much more than the most senior ATR-42, ERJ, CRJ or Avro Captains' salaries, on the larger propjets (turboprops), or turbofans with 50-69 seats. This is not to say that truck drivers don't have many acquired skills, however only the ignorant or the envious with an axe to grind (including many of the media's hacks and wannabe's) choose to put the two occupations into one category.
These thousands of career pilots with several US majors flew for thirty or more years until the maximum age of sixty (if they passed their medical exams each six months), and their airlines were either raped by corporate sharks (many cases of this in the 80's, early 90's) and/or entered, possibly barely avoided bankruptcy. Never mind the 9/11 panic and recession.
A former FO buddy (who flew 744 and 777s years ago for Cathay Pacific) here just had his career suddenly terminated, due to a type of heart arrhythmia. Had his first required EKG at age 35. Another guy slipped on a puddle by a coke machine in the pilot lounge and the migraine headaches ended his career-age 51 or so. Not much retirement pay for him.
Another buddy here only got his medical re-instated after several years by "our friends" FAA because somehow the NTSB took notice of S's case and overruled the FAA! Part of his initial problem was due to the report of a very arrogant Cardiologist (he has a "God-Complex": common for many doctors here in the US) in this town, who also grounded a FEDEX pilot merely for telling him about how to better do an EKG!! The FAA bitterly resents being overruled for their random, arbitrary use of unlimited, arrogant authority, having hidden many despicable and cowardly acts in the paper-filled wastelands and cyberspace of their huge, cavernous bureaucracy. It can be like the monster Grendel-but there is no Beowulf who can decisively smite it. Don't believe this? Just read up on Bob Hoover's grounding. He was the only famous guy to suffer through this. Many of the fallen will never be read about. Anyway, other Part 121 pilots were NEVER grounded for my buddy's condition (heart murmor in Latin- i.e. in vino est veritas, or whatever...)! Only TWO airline pilots in twenty years have had their denial/revocation of a First Class medical overruled by the NTSB! Why not more?
Last edited by Ignition Override; 26th Nov 2003 at 12:31.
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You should have a good university background and further extensive training to be a duty controller at big nuclear power plant. Depending of location you are responsible for 1,000-25,000,000 lives at the end of the day. If s**t happens, as much as 1-2m people will never see the sunrise again, and as much as another 5-10m will die within few years. The huge territhory will became a dead zone for dozens of years.
Do you have a clue what is the salary you can expect on this position? Make your bets, gentelmen.
Do you have a clue what is the salary you can expect on this position? Make your bets, gentelmen.
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Missed the point there bud. Nuclear powerplants don't fall out of the sky. If something goes wrong in one, all you need to do is press the big red button marked "SCRAM REACTOR" and hey presto, emergency over!
However, I have no objection to nuclear powerplant controllers getting airline captain level salaries. I do object, however, to corporate board members crashing their companies through incompetence with subsequent deleterious effects on their staff, and then walking away with big bonuses.
Missed the point there bud. Nuclear powerplants don't fall out of the sky. If something goes wrong in one, all you need to do is press the big red button marked "SCRAM REACTOR" and hey presto, emergency over!
However, I have no objection to nuclear powerplant controllers getting airline captain level salaries. I do object, however, to corporate board members crashing their companies through incompetence with subsequent deleterious effects on their staff, and then walking away with big bonuses.
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Overpaid???
For them to think...
Do you know that the crew salaries count for 2 to 5 % of the total operation of the airplane (Depending on the plane) ... And they complain??? Bunch of A ...
Keep it safe!!
Do you know that the crew salaries count for 2 to 5 % of the total operation of the airplane (Depending on the plane) ... And they complain??? Bunch of A
...Keep it safe!!
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**Whew** I am glad ALPA said something about the idot. I was worried I'd have to respond to Panama Jack's comment about the lack of sex too er' earning something to do it or ...whatever...
I need a job since I am working 4 jobs now to make ends meet. I have done it and I will fly for food. I live in a 3 bedroom house trailer, got 4 children to feed and put to college. Ya, I'm starting late but I want to make more than poverty sometime in this career move in a job I like.
I heard writters make 40-50,000 per first year. I'm drooling over 25k with the regionals????!!! Whose over paid?
I need a job since I am working 4 jobs now to make ends meet. I have done it and I will fly for food. I live in a 3 bedroom house trailer, got 4 children to feed and put to college. Ya, I'm starting late but
I want to make more than poverty sometime in this career move in a job I like.I heard writters make 40-50,000 per first year. I'm drooling over 25k with the regionals????!!! Whose over paid?
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Dear Mr Pummer,
I suppose the crew from DHL landing their missile-crippled A-300 are amongst those "overpaid" airline pilots you write of?
You are a d***head of the first order....
Jeez...what an ignoramus.
I suppose the crew from DHL landing their missile-crippled A-300 are amongst those "overpaid" airline pilots you write of?
You are a d***head of the first order....
Jeez...what an ignoramus.
