for a rough idea on wages log on to
www.ppjn.com
joe,i was in your position a year and a half ago ,did my ppl with EFA and am now a week away from doing my MEIR exam,ive been through some hard times and im sure more are to come,however to this point i just soldier on with my goal of becoming an airline pilot.
just take it step by step and plan wisely.
good luck