Since we're on the subject of pay comparisons and the question of what is or is not good money, I'll post my recent experience.....

I usually do most of my own home mx and improvements. Occationally I call a professional when the project is beyond my knowledge/experience level or there is risk of bodily injury (can't lose that medical). Such was the case recently when I called an electrician to install 2 new 240v circuits for my shop. Converted to a daily rate, his fee was DOUBLE what I earn for a day's work with the military reserve, and TRIPLE what I earn for a day as an AAI FO.

To boot, he was a customer at the bank where my wife works and did the work on his own time at a discounted rate. I had two quotes prior to the work being done from other companies at full price and, had I contracted with them, the bill would have been FOUR TIMES my daily FO pay (again, converted to a daily rate).

Take from that what you will.