More like £280 for an R22 these days. Once you factor in fuel surchages/landing fees/circiut fees etc.
Salaries are very rare for FI jobs.
Some companies even want you there 9-5 washing the hangar floor, cleaning helis, etc. - while only paying you when you fly! (you know who you are).
"As an instructor myself I wonder if like me others would prefere a salary as opposed to being paid by the hour Seems like a better way to be paid" - not for the school, no. Because when the weather is crap/heli is broken/student doesnt tun up etc, you are not costing the school money.