As previous posters mention, Pilot pay is not always so good for the younger/newer chaps.
I understand some airline flying staff (plus many others) are able to reduce income tax in some clever ways, like not living in the same country they get paid in.
I also understand the tax people are looking at ways to collect more tax from the above types, so some people are being squeezed at both ends, lowering of pay/T+C's and increase the the tax they pay, not a great place to be at the moment.
HM Revenue & Customs: Working in the European Economic Area
Sorry for drift, but it all adds up.