Speaking as someone who supplies both engineers and ops staff to the industry theres no doubt if you manage to become a type rated licensed engineer you will be able to command far more money generally speaking than ops types can, however its NOT a easy option, its a demanding job both from a academic and a physical point of view, line engineers in particular are expected to be out in all weathers day and night sorting out the aircraft , it also carries a high degree of responsibilty hence the reasons the salaries are generally high , i must say however from your post you dont sound that commited, perhaps ops may be a easier option for you