Airlines
Airline Pilots: Low Pay Drives Disputed Pilot Shortage
Aspiring airline pilots are discouraged by low entry level pay, limited career path, speakers at ALPA conference relate.
Average starting pay for a first officer in the regional airline industry is $23,000, according to the Air Line Pilots Association. (Image: SkyWest Airlines)
Average starting pay for a first officer in the regional airline industry is $23,000, according to the Air Line Pilots Association. (Image: SkyWest Airlines)

Low pay, high academic debt and quality of life issues dissuade people from pursuing a career as an airline pilot, speakers said June 25 during a day-long conference organized by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Those factors contribute to a pilot shortage, although the extent of the shortage is disputed.