28 Years Old and Considering a Career Change

James,

Congratulations on the PPL.

As for the relocation, you could very easily rebased in PHL or the NYC area someday. If those bases work for you, you will be good to go. NYC would be a long drive, but it is still better than commuting via airplane.

Take a look at the articles for more information about instructor and airline pilot pay. Bear in mind that if you do not attend ATP, you will also not work there, so the instructor pay could be different:

https://airlinepilot.life/t/how-much-does-a-flight-instructor-earn/8061/

https://airlinepilot.life/t/what-do-pilots-really-earn/16495/