Wages are really dependent on the market, I've seen them in the range of 45,000 to 55,000, overtime may or may not be paid especially if you have a salary. Once you have some work experience freelance might be a good option too. Your hand painted art is already quite strong. I would definitely make a list of studios that…
I wouldn't say there is a specific NA style so to speak. I mean there are companies in North America that do realism more than stylized/hand painted work. But there are a good number of studios that do anime style as well. The main question is, do you enjoy working in the realistic style? Since regardless of the education…