come on maggie, be real. I don't know about your state, but in my state teachers and cops are waaaay underpaid compared to others with similar education and training.
I quit teaching in 2004, for many reasons. one of them was the pay. I was teaching in the 2nd highest paid school district in the state, so I was making above the average for a teacher in Alabama. I have a masters degree and had 10 years experience and I was making $40K per year.
I found a job with a govt contractor that paid $19K more per year.
The sheriff's deputies in my county make in the upper 20s, lower 30s depending on experience. My son makes more than that repairing HVAC systems.
An Alabama State Trooper makes around $35K
Oscar, honest to God, I live in Illinois. And I'm being real for
my state. I do understand that other states don't have the same salaries, but I also find it hard to believe that an Alabama State Trooper makes $35K a year. I wonder if you
know that and can post
that, or if you just
think that. And absolutely no offense meant. We are intentionally kept in the dark about these salaries. And the very generous pension benefits. I swear ta' God, we are.
I just found this information on Alabama State Troopers right off the state's website:
Entry level paid $35,589/yearly with a high school education or GED.
Entry level paid $36,489/yearly with an associate's degree.
Entry level paid $38,000/yearly with a bachelor's.
After a one-year probation, troopers can move up one or two steps on merit...so after one year, a trooper would be making $40,000.
Appears the maximum, w/o overtime, is $59,500. But I wouldn't necessarily believe that 'cause I'm cynical. ;-)
http://www.dps.state.al.us/Information/pdf/Employment/TrooperPayScale.pdf
Oh, and this is 2008, BTW. Also to note, this pay scale is for a regular old trooper. Advancement with wage increases possible to Corporal, Sargeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major. Wonder what they make?
This also includes a take-home car for personal use, 'daily subsistance pay' (which I don't understand), 13 days paid vacation starting up to 29 days depending on service, 13 sick days, paid health insurance, available overtime, and, according to them, "a generous retirement program" that kicks in at age 52 w/10 years' service or at any age with 25 years' service.
http://www.dps.state.al.us/Information/pdf/Employment/RecruitTrainingBroc.pdf
I'm not judging this...I'm just putting it out there.
I wish I could find the link because you will not believe me, but the fire chief in my town retired from a neighboring town's fire department (population 44,500) and took a job in
my town (population 13,800). His pension from his old job (25 years) is in excess of $100K/year. His salary in my town is over $100K a year. I won't be taking up a collection for him any time soon. The private sector has nothing that compares.
As to teachers, I've been through this on the board before, and I realize that Illinois is
reeeedickalus when it comes to teacher salaries and pensions. My fiance's ex is in Administration at an upscale public high school in suburban Chicago. In 2008, (it's public record...and I'm going by memory here) she made about $165,000. Another teacher I know teaches (for 3 years) in the Chicago Public School District. She is making $57,000. Combine those salaries with the most generous pension plans on planet earth, and, well, let's just say I wish I'da been a teacher. ;-) So I fully admit that I come to the table with jaded thoughts about teachers needing to make more money.