In the IT field we have a similar situation to the above, big money for smart young blokes who want to have a go. That all works well until they find themselves going for a position where some perspective and experience are necessary.
From what I've seen it is pretty easy to get to the point where you are earning 100K + doing technical work but if you want to get further it requires the good judgement that only comes with age.
In my generation (entering the workforce in the early 80s ) I spent a few years earning much less than my mates as I completed my trade and then I leapfrogged them to be earning 50% more than them by the time I was in my mid twenties. I then spent the next 10 years getting to the same pay levels that a 30 year old could expect today but the experience that I have gained makes me more valuable to an employer than a 20-something with the same quals, which is why I am paid more than them much to their disgust
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I think that a lot of the Gen Y people on the big money now will find that as they mature they may have a longer wait until they can make that jump to more responsible positions, although they will be paid more comparatively than previous generations while they are waiting.
It is a very different employment market out there than it was 20 years ago.
Regards,
Tote