SIC's starting at $205 per day at Hageland now a days.........36k+ per year for 15on/off... Van drivers PIC base pay at 75k per year...

Apart from Alaska, SIC pay sucks everywhere else. Southern pays $12/h for example, what a joke.

36k as CFI is perfectly doable

You will get some news, but it takes time. Remember that hiring is done by the same person who does a lot of other things. CFI is a good deal, especially if you're going to work 15/15. Keep CFI as a backup plan and find an instructing gig that will allow you to work a bit during your days off. Make more money, fly and build hours quicker.

My advice would be to aim for CFI and start working on those lessons plans and knowledge test. CFI certificate involves more preparation work and study than flying.

Keep a good attitude and keep sending resumes everywhere.

Thank you for your advice, that sounds like a good plan of action.

Wow! What's sled pay now?

290/day and I believe $60ish/HR over a 5 HR daily average. And if you have ATP qualifications you also get the 15k bonus. But they have taken away the joy of bush flying in Alaska. No deviating off a direct path from point A to point B. You are expected to fly like an airline pilot in a damn jet without the perks. But on the plus side you get to wear a nice orange reflective vest 2 sizes to big that gets in the way of everything. And have the FAA watching your every move. I just turned down an offer from the DO. He says the new Alaska safety culture is entirely his doing and wants everyone to know that. Turned him down on the spot. Never met someone with a bigger ego.

Well with 2 crashes last year they have to do something. That is pretty darn good pay though!

How many hours can you fly in those​ 15 days on? Average

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That right there says it all.

As a low-time CPL with an interview coming up for an SIC slot, I am not entirely upset that this boost in safety culture is a bad thing, even if the DO has an ego. For people who want to get in, build hours, and move on to regionals after a year or so, I don't think its too much of a hassle to put up with someone like that if it means things will be done in a safer manner. I am a very cautious pilot, but I know Alaska experience will do great things for my skills and resume, so I want to give it a shot. I'll have to deal with BS in any low time (and even high-time) job, and I am not going into this expecting everything to be perfect.

This is just my perspective, and maybe I just haven't had enough experience to see an ego as a huge red flag. Thoughts?