Have you considered working offshore? Money is average, depending upon your role and level of competency/training/experience. One big advantage imo is that if you pay attention, you can vicariously learn some of the roles/responsibilities of the higher paying specialist jobs as every one is working pretty closely and sharing information regarding different stages in the operation. Some experienced specialist techs pull close to $250k + benefits/bonuses and are not engineers/graduates. They pretty much follow work from rig to rig. Downside is many are on a rather random roster e: away from home alot. You need to be prepared to undertake paid training in your time off, and be on-call 25/7 366 days a year. Be prepared to work sometimes very very odd hours and manage your sleep/wellbeing. If you develop a good professional relationship with a client/rig then you will always have work. If you are organised, you will have plenty of time for studying/gym/movies/internet/eating/PS3/talking shit/reading books. Excellent environment to save $ as everything is paid for between the time the taxi arrives and leaves the house.
Rig crews tend to have more set rosters which is a benefit but they earn their money, especially when working in high humidity/heat.
For example, if you don't mind unskilled work, a Roustabout on the rig I work on earns about 130K+ bonuses and uber corporate health cover (this would be worth $4k+ p.y) for spouse and dependents, 3 weeks on/3 weeks off, double time for any additional days. I've met many Client Reps (Company Men) who started as Roustabouts 25+ years ago and now walk away with $80-90K gross for a 28 day hitch offshore
In saying all this, rates of pay are not what they used to be for many roles, and if you want to bank the 'Hollywood $' then perhaps look at obtaining a 'niche' formal post grad qualification that appeals to you if you enjoy the working environment and plan to make a career in the industry. If you are prepared to work/learn and are efficient there are opportunities for advancement up through the ranks and, as with any other vocation, more responsibility = more $$$