Yoky is optimistic about what $50K can do in NYC... ;-)
However, it's not all that bad... In Texas, there are thousands of unemployed--yet some people get hired for good money every day!
Read "Don't Send A Resume" by Jeffrey C. Fox and follow his plan...
(audio tape available for less than $5 at "75% off Books" in Dallas area)
I agree that $12/hr is ludicrous... We need to "dollarize our contribution to sales and show how we can cut costs by knowing correct procedures (i.e., "Best Practices"

and market ourselves to senior leaders in our target clients... Prove your worth and you'll get the chance to work for what you want...
Don't wait outside the side door, hat in hand... If you're certified, you know enough IT... now learn your client's business and sell them your expertise... That's where you can take charge and write your own future...
If a target declines, well... aim elsewhere... there's always their competition!
A good rule of thumb is that each employee should create 5 times their cost (salary plus benefits plus overhead). So, figure out how much you can add to their sales; add in the amount of cost reduction your new-and-improved processes will generate; finally divide by 5 and then by about 1.33 and you'll have what salary you're worth.
If it's not enough, study harder to find new things to offer to them. Good hunting!!
BTW, Salary-wise, I'm in the low $80Ks... by the grace of God... JTB
Solutions Architect
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSA, MCSE-W2K, MCIWA, SCSA, SCNA in progress)