While the major airline job market looks as though it is going to pick up in the coming year, the first year pay and benefits will take several years to catch up with reality, if ever. Any pay advertised in the US is gross pay. Not what you will take home. On typical first year pay, I couldn't even rent an apartment, much less afford to eat in a junior city like Los Angeles or San Fransisco. The only way things will ever change is if qualified pilots simply won't accept the job.
Best regards,
Westhawk