What is a "good wage" these days?

[riderinthestorm]

I know that geographical location can make a big difference but everytime I hear people talking about how "underpaid" teachers are, or firefighters, or policemen, I just wonder how much everyone is making. In my area (wealthy Dupage County Illinois) teachers, firefighters or policemen are making $60 - $100k. This is a LOT more than I make yet it's always portrayed as "underpaid", and (gasp!) thankless! Even (double gasp!) poverty-lite! I would assume that pay for most teachers, cops, firefighters is commensurate with the cost of living in their area - just a caveat to those who would point that out....

I know our cost of living is high here but even those making firefighter wages (for example) can afford to live in their community. And (thanks to their unions), they have bennies, health cert, pensions and more.

I'm curious, what is considered a "good wage"? Are so many people making so much damn more/year that being a teacher is considered a schlum job?

FWIW, I am a small farmer, master's level college grad, and would KILL for teachers' hours, bennies, health cert, and pay for example! I often think about chucking it in and being a teacher instead of this grind.... (obviously I hate the winter months in my profession and begin fantasizing about other alternatives....)

[Droopy]

1. If everything goes well this year I will make 55k

And that is considered working class where I'm from. It's not enough to buy the finer things in life, but it's enough to make sure I'm keeping my head above water and saving some for retirement. But we're talking Dayton, Ohio here. If I lived on the east or west coasts I don't know if I'd be able to afford the cost of living on that wage. I'd probably be splitting an apartment with someone and eating rice and beans every day.

[driver8]

2. In Los Angeles, you wouldn't be eating beans and rice everyday...you probably

would have a hard time buying a house, though.

You could afford an apartment on your own, I think.

[yewberry]

3. Teachers in Seattle, where the cost of living is high,

make about $24K the first year, $28K if they have a MA. Oh, yeah, good times.

And you wouldn't kill for a teacher's hours here--it's a 7.5 hour day before lesson plans and grading and meetings (in the school I spent the past 2 years in), not to mention the clock hours of continuing ed you have to meet to keep your certification.

Now I'm depressed.

Dupage county, Illinois, you say...