Looking at the different openings around the country, why is the pay so different?

Reach in California is from 90-120K, pretty low pay

But New Mexico is as high as 117-130K?

Some companies start out in the low 70's still in the 2024's?

Experienced pilot's only commanding 80-93K if your with AMC or Med Trans. Not including any GEO Mods or ACCRA while PHI on the other hand is giving a 75K sign on bonus, but has a low yearly salary.

Just seems like the pay is pretty low for the job.  Does Utility really pay that much more or is the secret to get a Public Service Job?

low 70's. anymore. I made 90K as a spifr pilot at PHI 3 years ago w/ no geo mod. 

I would be slow to take a job with pay in the $70's and contract to stay three years for a bonus of $75K. Seems like the ball would be in the companies court, and it would be possible for them to replace you at 2.5 years and save the $75K.  Med Trans has a reasonale bonus that while lower, a little is paid out each year with the most paid out at the end of the contract. Also they start in the $90 and up.

nobody is paying in the 70's and nobody is giving a 75k bonus after 3 years but yeah

It really comes down to how hard a slot is to fill. Some companies pay is higher in lower cost of living areas, because nobody wishes to move there. If you have a base in California that is always full and there are people ready to jump in as soon as someone retires, the pay is not going to increase as much as other areas. If you are flexible on where you can live you can take advantage of this situation. Sometimes the hospital is sick of the pilot shortage and will kick in extra pay in contract negotiations. Supply and Demand.

Just an FYI on those Cali jobs.  You'll still pay CA income tax even if you live in another state and commute to your job!  P-h-u-c-king thieves!!! 

but as a float living in Florida, not me bro

Sorry "bro," but my experience was different.  Live in Phoenix and worked in LA doing the Oil and Gas thing straight out of the Army.  I didn't pay a dime in LA state income tax, but did pay AZ income tax.  Went to work doing EMS in CA and had to pay those thieves too!

BTW, got a ATPH and went to overseas.  Made a very decent income.  Unlike my european coworkers, I had to pay federal income tax even though I worked and lived (on a foreign resident visa) out of the country.  They did not!

I'm not complaining (too much!) because I was able to take advantage of the USA Tax Code's Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Housing Allowance to cut my taxable income significantly.  I still payed tens of thousands of dollars in tax, but it could have been a lot worse!  Oh, and I put that $ into a mutual fund that was doing pretty good, and the interest I earned every year was like a discount on my taxes.  A good tax accountant is worth their weight in gold!

You will pretty much give up your sign on bonus to the state.   

What's the point of HAA if you're still going to be away from home?

and other big fish w/ sharp teeth

what's the point. I have no no idea what the point is. I see no point. it's pointless.

AZ boy, born and raised.  Went into the Army from Phoenix.  My wife and our families were all in the Phoenix area.  After she and the kids followed my happy arse all over the planet, the least I owed "THEM" was to live close to family and friends.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins..... 

It wasn't nice being gone half the time, but I was probably gone that much during my military career anyway.  Sometimes you have to do the right thing for those you love, no matter what the cost to you personally is.  That's "my" point!

Oh, and the CA job was closer to Phoenix and paid a lot better than the AZ EMS gigs.  Not to mention I wasn't impressed with the AZ operators.

Gotta have FW ratings and Airplane ATP to do that.  I don't.  I went oconus and made more $$ with my ATPH anyway.

$10k bounus last monht  & got wacked %42 for taxes!! FJB,IRS!!!