Pilot Earning $17,000 a Month Reveals the Dark Side of the Job
Imagine being a pilot making around $17,000 a month. Sounds like a dream, right? But hold on, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows as it seems! American pilot and YouTuber Garrett Ray reveals the brutal reality of a pilot’s life — and it’s not for the faint-hearted.
The tempting salary, but…
As a co-pilot on routes out of New York, Ray earns about $97 an hour, which at first glance looks like a great wage. However, pilots don’t work a classic 9 to 5. They are often on the road and away from home for up to 40 hours, but only get paid for the hours spent in the air — sometimes just 10 of those 40. So, despite the impressive numbers on paper, the reality is very different.
Waiting and flexibility — a pilot’s nightmare
Ray points out that he often has to wait up to 24 hours between flights, meaning he’s on the clock but not earning. That’s why he chooses flights that pay more in less time. For example, a round trip from LaGuardia to Dallas takes about seven hours of flying, and he earns around $1,000 while being away for only nine hours. This allows him to be home by the afternoon.
Monthly earnings and challenges
On average, Ray flies about 80 hours a month and earns around $17,000. If he ever becomes a captain, his hourly rate could jump to about $130, bringing in around $27,000 a month. But beyond the money, the pilot’s job comes with huge challenges — irregular schedules, long absences from family, constant need for adaptation, and sacrifices.
Why it’s not all a fairy tale
Many people think being a pilot is just an exciting and prestigious job with a high salary. But as Ray shows, behind the scenes there’s a lot of stress, waiting, and sacrifice. The money is there, but it comes at the cost of personal life and free time.
Conclusion
So next time you dream about a pilot career, remember it’s not just about money and glamour. It’s a job that demands much more than flying skills — it’s a life full of compromises and challenges.
What about you? Could you handle a pilot’s life? Or do you prefer staying grounded? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s ready for the skies and who’s happy on the couch!
