Nowadays the financial rewards are still modest but the property values have raced ahead to the degree that only someone with independent means can realistically contemplate a career in instruction.
Very true, but the same can be said of many occupations. The sad fact is, that as hard as it is, it's no arguement for singling instructors out for special treatment. Let's face it, taking a typical PPL (with a couple of hundred hours) who decides to then go on to instruct, you're looking at what? £15-20K to add a basic CPL and FIR. A two year diploma course in most subjects probably costs similar. The wages for a job that the Diploma gets you will probably yield similar money for the first few years. The difference is that flight training doesn't qualify for grants or cheap loans ... which is a pity. Sad fact of life is that certain jobs will always be thought of as a stepping stones to a future career higher up the ladder. Those wishing to do such jobs are usually young, single and willing to accept the pay in order to progress their career. The problem on this forum is that many seem to think that flying instructors are unique!
SS