Here's an idea what to expect in a professional pilot career. Your success may vary, but it probably won't vary that much.

-Career years 1-2:
Flight instructing/banner towing/traffic watch/tour pilot/etc.
Average salary $12,000 to $22,000/year.

-Career years 3-5
First officer at a regional airline or small turbine 135 operator. Upgrade times vary greatly and change constantly.
Average salary= $18,000 to $40,000/year

-Career years 4-7
Captain at a regional airline or small turbine 135 operator.
Average salary= $45,000 to $65,000/year

-Career years 8-12
FO at a major, national, or fractional. Average upgrade 3 to 9 years, but may vary greatly.
Average salary= $30,000 to $70,000

-Career years 12-20+ (times also vary greatly)
Captain at a major/national airline, or fractional.
Average salary= $80,000 to "the salary most people think pilots make".

Having solid personal and business connections and a bit of good luck will help make your professional pilot career better than others. Higher education doesn't help that much in this career.