In my first year @ Air Wisconsin in 2006, I made $25k including perdiem; in 2007 on 2nd year pay I was on pace to make about $45k including perdiem before I left.

I didn't pick up much extra flying, and bid back-to-back trips since I lived in domicile.

But don't EVER build a budget on any credit above guarantee...just don't do it. Live on guarantee, and anything above that is just gravy.