In 10 years maybe, maybe not. Regional Captains usually take pay cut to become FO's at a major airline, that is if they get hired by a major within ten years. If they wind up flying Part 135 which is often the case, they may make the same or less. The skies are filled with King Airs, Phenoms, Citations, and PC-12's. Even most airline pilots don't become a 777 Captain at American.
Then there is a quality of life. At 10 years at an EMS job you are probably settled in a job, know your schedule, live close to work, and only work half the month.
Likely scenario: The Caravan pilot if they made it to the majors is probably at a new domicile and they are a Captain, on reserve. Three times the pay is really a stretch as well. Double perhaps, but they probably have 9 days off a month instead of 15. If you could do six additional days then factor in the commuting, parking, and crash pad expenses an airline pilot may have to do, the value of the double pay dwindles.
Have you guys ever heard of crash pads (rent), how about maintaining an additional crash pad car (parking, insurance), out if pocket hotels, unpaid dead heading. All realities of airline pilot life. Airlines have hubs in LAX, JFK, ORD, DTW, LGA, but most places lots don't live there. Even DFW is getting expensive and it was always a senior base for America so you likely get LGA as new captain.
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