the WAE way
I worked for Western Air Express back in 1998 for about 10 months. I never upgraded to Metro captain, or flew the C402, but they are the typical small 135 freight operator, pushing the limits on all bases. When I was there, I was paid $60/trip (part time) while also working as a courier. I think they're on salary now for all pilots. I tried to get a job there after I was furloughed. I'm glad I didn't. I THINK the pay is ~$1600/mo for FO, and ~$2200-2500/mo for captains. Lots of night flying, over the mountains, with no autopilot, doing single-engine turns throwing bank bags in and out..... I'm not complaining, it gave me great experience when I was building time for the airlines. I have heard, too, that they were losing some of their bank runs to Amflight.
Hope that helps.