What it says on the tin:
Why do most - if not all - of the jobs in the Corp/Frac/135 arena not disclose what the pay range is for the job? The employer clearly has a range in mind for what they think the job is worth. I realize discussing dollars can be uncouth or uncomfortable, but why not just specify a range, or say, "Pay is commensurate with experience, within the NBAA range for this aircraft" or something like that? Why is it such a hidden thing?
I know I'm asking from a position of ignorance - and perhaps that's just it: the guys who apply for these jobs already know what the pay range is. Is that it?
Short answer, yes.
It used to be more clear when it came to the companies. If you’re going to work for a fly by night (no pun intended) charter operator, you knew what pay to expect. If you were interviewing for a fortune 50 or UHNW individual or family, it was rude, even damning to ask about pay. Now-a-days, things are turned on their heads and you never know what to expect.
I continue to treat it like the old days, with an interesting caveat. We have the internet. Do the research, network and pm people to get a better idea if a company is keeping up with the cycle or falling far behind. Look at how we know the Walmart flight department is trying to turn the ship around and Nike and Verizon can’t keep pilots. (Last I heard) The internet. The other thing is this...I walk into the interview assuming they would pay me a salary commensurate with my experience and current industry standard. The first half of the process is to sell myself and I help that by showing respect for their operation by not asking in the first interview and just try to get them to want me. Then, if they want me, it’s their job to offer me a complete package that will show similar respect and make me want them. At that point, you could counter the offer or simply politely decline. Its a lack of patience if you can’t wait for that process to play out and a lack of preparedness if you are interviewing for a job that won’t pay you what you need to say yes. If you’ve done your research and networking, the two numbers shouldn’t be too far off.
I know that’s not the answer you want, because you want to be able to look ahead and pick goals (dreams), but it’s just not as easy as going to APC and seeing what the GE flight departments pay rates are, like an airline.
I’m sure there will be some people calling this absurd, but my advice comes from the wisdom of my old man before he departed this world and it’s based on his experience at the very top levels of corporate aviation. I’d say there is enough old guys running around in positions of leadership, making this continued sound advice.
YMMV
