Too Low Too Fast!
I myself am a contract LAME as you would call it (are you Ozzie?) and a contract pilot but i find the engineering pays better cause you can work a load of hours in a short space of time.
European Licensed Aircraft Engineers are paid in the region of £30 per hour. So my 14 x 12hr shift = £5020 per shift (14 on 14 off).
Non UK resident = NO TAX.
Housing Provided.
Transport Provided.
Flights to and from Provided.
Downside = Self funded pension and healthcare.
Upside = Work where and when you like AND you can tell whoever to "Shove it" when you had enough.
Flying Spanner