It's like acting, there are actors and actresses that make millions, but there are so many people who WANT to do it that you have to eat shit for years to even get a chance at the top of the line.
But if you're willing to make $40k-60k you can start out at a small commuter line in a few months, and slowly work your way up from there.
The average seems to vary pretty widely depending on airline+seniority, but it also sounds like the major US airlines are beefing up pilot salaries over the next couple of years:
You start off low, it takes a few years to start making that kind of money. In terms of dollars made per effort expended, I think it's quite an easy job.
Is this true? I thought Major Airline Pilots could make upwards of $200k per year. Or are you doing something smaller scale?