BG, I'm in my mid 20's, and neither a supervisor or manager, and...

BG, I'm in my mid 20's, and neither a supervisor or manager, and earn in that region...

I have several friends that are neither supervisors nor managers that earn all that and more.

Maybe you're just not mingling with the right people?

"Jobs start off around $45k".... yes, a lot do. Start off. But you guys are talking about averages aren't you? Some people earn millions per year. $100k plus isn't all that rare these days either. In fact I'd suggest if you're professionally employed and over 30, it's the bare minimum you should be aiming to earn.

Today's hundred k is yesteryears fifty.

Even a lot of teachers are on $60k packages, and that is a profession that has always lagged, and they get 12 weeks leave.