Ok, I know I will probably get crap for this, but oh well. In the next few years hiring is expected to increase as fast as the average for all occupations, through atleast 2014, so that is an increase of about 9%-17% in jobs. So more jobs will open, that is not saying it will be easier, because more than likely more people will be applying for those jobs.

As far as pay, Airline Pilots are still considered to have some of the highest pay in the nation, that is according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As far as whether or not you will make a really decent amount will depend on alot of factors, including what you consider really decent. If anything the aviation industry is cyclical, meaning it will get better and get worse, it is still a relatively new industry, that is almost constantly changing. To say that it will only get worse and stay this bad, I think, is being short-sighted, and I think that is one of the reasons for the extreme cyclical affects on the industry, is that people become too short-sighted, believing it will stay the way it is, but just like any other mode of travel, it is directly tied to the economy, and as such will be affected by the economy. As the economy improves so will the industry, the economy wasn't doing too well recently, and neither was the industry, so as the economy begins to get better, so will the aviation industry.