Photo: YouTube screenshot

In the age of social media and popular video platforms, we rarely hear honest, numbers-backed stories from the lives of professions that always spark public curiosity.

One of those who decided to lift the veil on everyday pilot life is Garrett Ray, a charismatic American pilot and creator of the increasingly popular YouTube channel "flywithgarrett". Ray, who is based in New York and today flies as a first officer for one of the largest American airlines, has become a true internet star thanks to his authenticity and willingness to talk about everything that interests the wider public, primarily finances.

Open about the numbers: The monthly salary that constantly intrigues the public

In one of his most-watched videos, Ray explained his monthly income and the way pilots build their earnings very clearly. The most important piece of information is the one that perhaps interests future pilots the most, as well as the wider public: on average, Ray works just over 80 hours each month spent behind the controls of a Boeing 737. His pay is based on an effective hourly rate, so according to precise calculations and displays on the popular channel, he earns approximately $17,109 per month, which corresponds to an amount slightly higher than €15,900, of course depending on the movement of the US dollar on the global market.

Ray does not mention this figure lightly, but breaks it down in detail for his followers, clearly showing how much each working hour brings to his household budget; his hourly rate as a first officer is $213.97. But that is not all, because various supplements come in addition to the base salary. These include, for example, per diems, compensation for time spent away from base, as well as pension fund contributions. All of this can ultimately push his earnings somewhat higher than the amount he shows in his average months.

A unique work regime: More flights mean more free time?

Unlike typical office jobs, a pilot's hourly schedule does not even remotely resemble the workweek of most employed people. Ray admits that it is extremely important for him to choose flights that will allow him as many free days at home as possible, while at the same time not sacrificing his pay. The amounts at the end of the month, as he says, can vary depending on the choice of rotations and schedules, hours worked in the air, and the duration of individual layovers.

Thanks to years of experience and the status he has built within the company, Ray can be selective about his schedule. He points out that longer layovers, those when he stays away from base for several days, are practically just as profitable as shorter "turn flights" with a return on the same day. The real secret, Ray shares with his followers, lies in optimal monthly planning, based on aligning personal and professional priorities.

Career path: Hourly pay rises with experience, premium destinations for the best

Experience and seniority bring key benefits. Ray clearly states that each new step up the ladder of the pilot hierarchy in his company also means a better financial outlook. Moving to the captain position, for example, opens the door to hourly rates close to $350 per flight hour. If we include more than 80 hours per month, we arrive at the possibility of monthly earnings that often exceed $27,000. There are also bonuses, but also greater responsibility, as well as greater pressure. Still, Ray does not complain for a single moment about the challenges he faces daily in the cockpit.

As a true ambassador of the pilot profession, he regularly gives advice to younger colleagues and viewers. Through his own example, he shows how dedicated work and smart flight selection can develop a career that, in addition to financial security, also provides life balance. Professional planning and the ability to negotiate the best schedule, Ray emphasizes, are key to satisfaction in this demanding but exceptionally rewarding profession.

An honest perspective from the cockpit and inspiration for future pilots

Thanks to the refreshingly open approach that runs through his videos, Garrett Ray has become an authentic voice of the American pilot community. He reveals to his followers without hesitation not only attractive destinations and the technical challenges of a pilot's job, but also the real numbers that accompany his career. He particularly points out that for many people it is surprising how much pilots really earn, while at the same time not hiding how important personal motivation, continuous learning, and readiness for sacrifice are.

Ray's everyday life is far from the glamorous travel many imagine. His story contains a great deal of routine, dedication, and planning, but also good examples of optimal balancing between private and professional life. It is also not insignificant that in everything he does he is guided by a passion for flying, with which he tries to inspire both younger people and those who are only just dreaming of a pilot career.

For all those who want to know more, Ray's YouTube channel "flywithgarrett" is an open source of the latest information, first-hand stories, and advice that can be valuable to anyone thinking about one day trading the office for the cockpit of a Boeing 737.