There is a LOT of variation in pay in the US. Much of this is locality related. The nature of airline jobs allows employees to travel, or commute, to or from an expensive city from a far less expensive area.

Rent of a middling 1BR apartment in many areas is $500/ month. In Manhattan it is approaching $3000/ month.

All of this cost variation makes it difficult to establish one national payscale for any job type.