An Austalian view
Hi guys, I haven't looked at this forum much, but very interesting.
Very similar issues with instructing in Australia (weather not as big an issue though) but some significant changes in the wind.
Many instructors at larger schools are now on an actual regular wage with paid annual leave and sick leave! This applies mostly to those schools training international students. Starting wage seems to be about $32000australian (below national average wage which is about 45k) but with better rating it seems to go up to about 45+.
The other big change is sport aircraft. Traditional C172's etc are under pressure at private flying schools, being replaced by Jabiru's/Tecnam types. Pay in these types is getting better, but the hours flown are getting much better.
I am doing an instructor rating for a 46 year old at the moment. For him the future doesn't look all bad. He has a good chance of making a modest but liveable income.
I know our rules are different but plenty of chances over here for instructors of all ages/experience(but no it's not all handed out on a platter). PM me if anyone wants to know some more.