Absolutely NOT true.

I will make almost $30k including per diem my first year. Colgan guys aren't even CLOSE to that. Second year FO's are making over $40k if they bid to fly (ie not bid reserve on purpose). Credit pay adds up to a lot of credit time over block. Straight hourly isn't a good indicator.

Personally, when I go visit friends or the significant other in offices, I get all choked up just being there. I can't imagine working in one location for an entire day. I'm happy to make less but have practically zero stress on the job. My biggest stress point is timing the employee bus to the parking lot.

Ninja,
Keep in mind teachers, cops, etc. make that much money because their COLA is so high. At a decent regional you can make $25k+ your first year, $40k second and third, and $60-$65k fourth year as the upgrade comes (unless you are at Eagle). And you have a choice of bases and commuting options.