I was an airline pilot at a regional airline based out of Newark, NJ. I flew a 50 seat regional jet, and was paid $19,800 per year.

In October of 2008, the company decided that as I hit my second year pay rate, myself and 350 of my co-workers cost too much to keep around.

Our second year pay rate is $30,800 per year.

I expect to be on the street for 3 years or longer.

Every regional jet first officer is paid a similar rate. If you are on an airplane that seats 34-86 people and has “Express,” “Connection,” or “Airlink” on the side, your first officer is being paid peanuts.

This post was submitted by Juan.