A higher degree leads to . . .
A higher degree does not necessarily translate into higher pay. I know this from personal experience. But others have observed this to be the case even across two levels of degree.
One of the comments that appeared on a Higher Ed Jobs post on Linked in was from Gwendolyn Henderson, Department Head (School District of Hillsborough County).
One of the comments that appeared on a Higher Ed Jobs post on Linked in was from Gwendolyn Henderson, Department Head (School District of Hillsborough County).
In researching positions I came across an academic advisor posting paying $30K (masters required....1-2 yrs. exp. in higher edu). That is $14.42 per hour...which is what my former "high school" students earn talking on the phone as customer service reps. for various companies with a "high school" diploma. One would conclude, working in acdemia requires six years more education to earn the income of a high school graduate capable of answering a phone call for someone making a inquiry about their cell phone bill. Sad...I know.
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On the other hand, those in the academic framework are expected to already have a degree in hand, yet are paid very little. And there are many who will remain at low paying positions even when they are clearly beyond entry level experience. I have also found that academic experience is not esteemed as relevant experience in the business world. So if someone wishes to make a lateral move, s/he is back to square one -- entry level. While the high school grad in the call center gets to count all the years as relevant experience.
It's also true that some schools like to have their personnel with masters for image purposes. In other words, to say to potential students, employers, and others that they have a more highly-educated faculty and staff. So they use that requirement for marketing purposes.
Now as for pay, there are most likely a variety of reasons for the pay being somewhere in the 30-40k range. But I'm sure the lousy economy is a big reason for it!
What people need to realize is this. Schools today are run just like any other for-profit business. So the goal is to minimize costs and maximize revenue. Paying faculty $30-40k in this environment is pretty good money under the circumstances. Many are making less in the business world! Others are making roughly the same.
And you have to realize that more and more schools are relying upon part-timers rather than full-timers. So pay for part-timers is going to be less. And many times, much less!
Plus, you have to remember that endowments at many schools is down as even the wealthy have been hurt by the lousy economy. And of course, states and municipalities are also financially cash-strapped. So the amount of school funding is down. In addition, financial aid sources are also facing funding problems. So the amount of help students are receiving is also off.
The last thing I'll say is this. There are many schools out there who are not only asking for a masters, but also requiring some teaching experience on top of the degree. With the lousy economy and job market, schools and employers are in the drivers seat!
Ron Auerbach, M.B.A.