From 1996 to 2017, weekly wages for college graduates rose from $1,339 to $1,476. For teachers, however, the trend went in the opposite direction, with wages decreasing from $1,164 to $1,137, creating a record 18.7% wage penalty for teachers, when compared to other college graduates.
This was one of several findings in the Economic Policy Institute’s new report on teacher pay, which extends their previous reports showing how teacher salaries have diminished since the mid-90s, when the gap between teacher salaries and those of other college-educated professionals was just 1.8%. Both male and female teachers are affected by this gap, although it is greater for male teachers.
During this same period, benefits have improved in many districts, but these improvements weren’t enough to offset the loss in wages. When benefits are taken into account, a gap of 11.4% remains.
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