This statement couldn't be more true. Less just a VERY VERY few professions/jobs, there are hardly any that will give you $50-$85K in the first few years, even the first 10 years. Many careers may never see those amounts, period. I know plenty of people starting off in careers, outside of aviation, and they are pretty much all seeing the same progession, in pay, as an airline pilot. My good friend is in his 3rd year of an IT career, and makes $40K. I guess he should have just become a pilot, because Lord knows most pilots think that people like my friend are all making six figures, living this cushy, "outside of aviation", job, while my friend thinks the same of pilots.

ALPA says that an RJ captain with five years longevity makes an average of near $71K. I don't know many people making $70K+ five years into their career. I'm not saying people don't, but not many do. That is five years longevity, what about 10 years longevity? I think if your goal is to fly for a major airline, that is good, and it is probably most regional pilot's goal. However, a career at a regional doesn't bring in a shabby salary, when compared to what most of the country is making.