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NauseousPBBN · Senior Member

Rookie Captain Pay

63ASAP · Guru

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I did these calculations when they hit my number, and I think I did it right comparing the salary sheets. It's part of the reason I decided to defer (probably not taking it at all, though only partly for the pay cut). So NOT counting night diff, and taking into account the September raise for captains, and 180 hours at the straight time rate (15hrs/month), a LT making 20 hours-ish a month will reach the same total pay as a captain by month 11 or so. I don't remember the numbers exactly, but if you're making over 20 hours, you will come out ahead probably within 5-7 months as an LT and the rest is gravy. Now, that did factor in the 2.5% for 5 years in rank as an LT, so YMMV. I haven't ruled it out yet, but it doesn't help when every captain says not to do it. With plans not to be on the job for more than 2-3 years, being tier 2, and not wanting to deal with the schedule and clueless higher-level executives, I just don't think it makes sense (for me). If this math doesn't add up, I'm happy to hear what others came up with. I can still be convinced!

FranknBeans · Senior Member

NauseousPBBN wrote:
Looking to see if any rookie Captains willing to give insight on the pay first couple of years, assuming night diff and 180 hours ot. Based on the current salary charts it looks to be around 220ish. Just looking for some approximate real life numbers.

First, it's not overtime. It's cash compensation at a day tour straight rate. There is a major difference. Example if the compensation would have had night diff on it, you lose the night diff. Your cash compensation should always be on the day tour if it permits.

Second, it's not 180 it's either 120 or 100 depending if your promotion date is before July 1 or on or after July 1.

Third, some places just wont let you get the compensation just because, some places will, YMMV.

The real life numbers are all over the place. If you hit the OT hard as a lieutenant you're taking a pay cut. If you mostly work later ones where you're getting night diff it helps. But with the new 2a rules it shouldn't effect your pension. Top pay is where things become somewhat worth the hassle. Also you build time for what its worth on the back end.

-- Edited by FranknBeans on Friday 30th of October 2026 09:36:45 PM

brooklynbacon · Guru

FranknBeans wrote:
NauseousPBBN wrote:
Looking to see if any rookie Captains willing to give insight on the pay first couple of years, assuming night diff and 180 hours ot. Based on the current salary charts it looks to be around 220ish. Just looking for some approximate real life numbers.

First, it's not overtime. It's cash compensation at a day tour straight rate. There is a major difference. Example if the compensation would have had night diff on it, you lose the night diff. Your cash compensation should always be on the day tour if it permits.

Second, it's not 180 it's either 120 or 100 depending if your promotion date is before July 1 or on or after July 1.
Third, some places just wont let you get the compensation just because, some places will, YMMV.

The real life numbers are all over the place. If you hit the OT hard as a lieutenant you're taking a pay cut. If you mostly work later ones where you're getting night diff it helps. But with the new 2a rules it shouldn't effect your pension. Top pay is where things become somewhat worth the hassle. Also you build time for what its worth on the back end.

-- Edited by FranknBeans on Friday 30th of October 2026 09:36:45 PM

People always forget that part about banking time to run it at at top pay at 250k a year etc.