Everybody, let's not forget that it depends a lot on how many hours he has plus in which market or area of this world somebody is flying. In the North American Market (or let's say U.S., because Canada is a bit more relaxed) the money wasted on Jet Ranger time is probably better spent on something else, like an instrument rating etc.
Let's face it, if you are a low time commercial pilot, your chances of getting straight into turbines are fairly limited. Many companies in the US however are implementing R44 and are quite happy to let you fly them- so, that's kind of the stepping stone into turbines for later on.
Don't worry about spending money on the Jet Ranger because it has an Allison 250 Engine.
Contrary to what others have to say here, it won't help you at all to get into Twin Squirrels or Bolkows, etc just because ot is the same engine. Trust me, I know.
Though, I have to agree, an Allison is an Allison.
Good luck.