How long after separation did it take you to equal your pay?

Five months.

I equaled it with my first civilian job. I got hired on by an airline while I was still in the medical board unit. 5 years later, my airline was been "aquired" by another airline and pay got substantially better. 18 months from now, with my VA disability included, I'll be at 6 figures.

PO1 Matthew Murdock I increased my pay immediately...

I took a contract job in Afghanistan a month after retiring, so made 3 times as much. Left there and took another contract job, make a little less than I did in the Navy, but it's tax free. So I saved more.

IT ALSO TOOK ME 2 YRS I WAS WORKING AS A CIVILIAN TECH REPAIRING TRUCKS

6 months. I was a BU (Builder) in the Seabees. Now I'm a construction Estimator/ Project Manager for a drywall/ metal framing construction company

Still not there...seven years since active duty :/
Can't beat the galley and berthing at COMNAVHOMEFOR though LOL

that has not happened for me yet.

I was hired as a contractor working 60-70 hours a week.
I made more than I did when I was in, and already used to work long hours.

I hope I never get to equal my pay or less again. I make more than twice I used to make.