The figures that came out from the Govt last May, a year ago, said the average Full Time wage/salary was $62,500. That is, full timers only.
If you include all workers which includes soccor mums who may only work 10hrs a week, then the average is around 40K.
When you see these figures and realise at a BBQ with friends/family, that being a regional FO, you are definately the lowest earner there.
It is easy to understand why young people are not studying/spending 60-80K to earn below national average wages after "making it" to a Regional Airline which generally takes 5 years of making 35K in GA before your resume is answered.