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

I equaled my pay after 2 years.

I took a step back for about a year and half. Then I got lucky and got a job that was about 50% higher. The past several years I've been better financially then I ever have the whole time I was active duty.

Immediately. I'm confused by the people who took longer to be honest. E-6 pay in 1999/2000 was not hard to beat.

About 10 years; the '70s were difficult years.

I made about $12,000 more my 1st year out. 1993

The day after I left active duty, I got a pay raise and less hours, and that was for a part time job. In the Army, I was working an average of 189 hours a month for $750 (this was in 1984). When I got out, I got a part time job and worked 96 hours a month for $768. Six months after I got out, I was making $1800 a month. However, when I was activated after 9-11, I took a 75% pay cut. Lucky for me, my civilian employer matched my pay so I was able to pay my bills. Its a good thing that most of us are not in it for the money, as most folks can make much more on the outside (depending on the job and your education).

PO1 Murdock, Sir.. immediately, I was fortunate enough to work in Auto industry, where they paid well, and I first met with a Union.. Which for the most part took care of us, demanding competitive pay and Benefits after 90 days.. also yearly COLA increases.. However, today this is different, Auto workers with unions do not pay as well as the Foreign auto makers with companies in the U.S.

I'm starting at the bottom in a new industry. So it will be about 5 years before I am able to match it again. Unless I get very lucky. And I have been out for 5 already.

Still haven't!

depends on the job profession and the skills that you bring to the table man. just gotta see what you bring to table and can offer that sets you apart from the others.