2024 NBAA PDP Course

The following calculation provides a practical starting point for estimating an appropriate base salary.

Begin by estimating the average number of flying days per month. Multiply that number by the standard daily contract rate for your geographic area (or the company's operating region). If you have established a personal minimum daily rate that you consider a non-negotiable "deal-breaker" rate, use that figure instead.

The result is a solid baseline, but it should be adjusted based on the specifics of the position. For example, if the role is expected to involve extensive international flying, premium service, or a more demanding schedule, increase the estimated salary accordingly. Conversely, if the position primarily involves domestic flying, fewer monthly flight days, or a lighter operational schedule, you may choose to retain the calculated amount or make a modest downward adjustment.

Example: For a standard cabin crew position, candidates who are newly hired or have fewer than two years of business aviation experience should generally expect their estimated salary to fall toward the lower end of the calculated range. More experienced candidates, those with leadership responsibilities, or crewmembers bringing specialized qualifications may reasonably position themselves toward the higher end of the range.

This is the salary target range algoritym I have used for years, it is constantly updated as the benchmark rates increase. 

Based on the 2026 benchamark rates, here are the tiere range:

Using the national benchmark daily rate for smaller market areas - 

Days flown per month: 10-15 (average: 13 days)

Daily rate: $1,000

13 days x $1,000 = $13,000/month

Using this algorithm, the yearly income target salary is: $156,000 ($13,000 x 12 months)

This salary target should be viewed as the gauge between high and low for negotiating factors. You should expect the offer to fall within plus/minus $10,000 of $156,000.

Negotiating range is $146,000-$166,000.

$156,000 TARGET | Total is plus/minus range 

< $20,000 > range is $146,000-$166,000

$145,000-less - depends on how bad you want the job

$146,000-$155,000 - questionable (low side) to respectable range

$156,000-$166,000 - expected range

$167,000+ - above average range

Using your daily or regional rate, if higher than benchmark rate - 

Days flown per month: 12-18 (average: 15 days)

Daily rate: $1,200

15 days x $1,200 = $18,000/month

Using this algorithm, the yearly income target salary is: $216,000 ($18,000 x 12 months)

Salary range for negotiating, you should expect the offer to fall within plus/minus $20,000 of $216,000.

Negotiating range is $186,000-$236,000.

$216,000 TARGET | Total is plus/minus range 

< $40,000 > range is $186,000-$236,000

$185,000-less - depends on how bad you want the job

$186,000-$215,000 - questionable (low side) to respectable range

$216,000-$236,000 - expected range

$237,000+ - above average range

Most full-time base salary calculations are based on an average of 12–15 flying days per month.

• If you typically fly 10 days or fewer per month, your base salary may be lower to reflect the reduced flying schedule—but this is not always the case. Other responsibilities and expectations should also be considered.
• If you fly 10-20 days per month, your salary should generally be based on no fewer than 15 flying days per month, as this represents the industry average for many full-time positions.
• If you regularly fly more than 20 days per month, your salary should be calculated using 18-22 flying days per month at a minimum, reflecting the significantly higher workload and time commitment.

Flying days are only one part of the equation. Consider the following when evaluating a compensation package:

• Exclusivity: Are you permitted to accept contract work on your scheduled days off, or are you required to be exclusively employed by the company regardless of whether you are flying? If exclusivity is required, you have stronger justification for negotiating toward the higher end of the salary range.
• Schedule and Days Off: Do you have a published rotation or guaranteed days off each month? Are those days protected, or are they routinely changed based on operational needs? If you are effectively expected to remain available at all times, your negotiating leverage increases considerably. Whenever possible, negotiate for guaranteed, protected days off each month to support work-life balance and prevent long-term burnout.
• Ground Responsibilities: If your role includes ongoing responsibilities when you are not flying—such as aircraft stocking, inventory management, office administration, scheduling, trip planning, training coordination, or other operational duties—those responsibilities should be reflected in your compensation.