Sorry, I am not an instructor so I can't answer your question other than to say that generally the pay is lousy because there is a surplus of newly-minted commercial pilots who desperately need to build hours.
This is not intended as a personal attack on you Dave (nothing wrong with asking questions), but I am always amazed at the number of people who write into these forums and say "I will be quitting my job next week to pursue my dream of becoming a professional pilot and intend to go for my PPL, CPL, IR, etc. etc.". All I can think is: do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into? How do you even know that you'll like flying, let alone love it enough to make all the financial and other sacrifices that will be required?
My advice to you, and to other wannabes, is: (1) don't quit your day job; (2) learn to fly part-time; (3) don't make any career decisions until you have earned your CPL/IR; (4) if you then decide to pursue a career in aviation, fine and good; (5) if you then decide not to pursue a career in aviation, there's no harm done - you've not burnt any bridges, and you've picked up a wonderful hobby.
Good luck!
