That must have been nice (near free flight), did you take advantage of that?
And some 2004 data I’ve seen - starting is just about right with what you say, but look at 10 year.
merican Airlines: 1st yr F/O: $31,080 and 10th yr Captain $123,420
Delta Airlines: 1st yr F/O: $50,400 and 10th yr Captain $204,636
UPS: 1st yr F/O: $26,004 and 10th yr Captain $200,508
Southwest: 1st yr F/O: $42,960 and 10th yr Captain $159,000
ATA: 1st yr F/O: $36,000 and 10th yr Captain $136,632
Airborne Express: 1st yr F/O $28,536 and 10th yr Captain $146,184
http://www.pea.com/imd/airline-pilot-salary.html
And another talking about the median
In 2009, median income for commercial pilots was $65,840, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Budding aviators should know, however, that many jobs at regional airlines come with low pay for long hours. And often, you have to pay for your own training, which can be expensive.
http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2010/12/06/best-careers-2011-commercial-pilot
Starting may be low, but it would appear if you stick to it, you make out rather well.