Strait pay is the only way to fairly evaluate ones compensation. Selling ones days off, adding per Diem or giving your self over to the enemy for draft pay just doesn't count.

If you were to use all that then when comparing to other professions you would have to add in all the income opportunities that they have as well.

Firefighters work an honest 8 or 9 days a month. In a west coast city they start out at 55K or higher. Add to it all the overtime days they could work and (given all the time off) the outside jobs they could have. It would explain the jet boats, big trucks and vacations they have.

Police also start out at a healthy wage and also have many opportunities for overtime for the city or private events. Even in my small burg they top 62K after two years and work 4 twelve hour shifts and have the next four days off.

Don't forget teachers. They get two weeks in December, one week in the spring every legal holiday and the entire summer off. In my state the listed average pay for teachers is 54K. Add to that a second summer job and now you are talking some serious dough.

Lastly all of these jobs come complete with a state funded retirement plan. Add all that up and it would bury your average regional job even after you have sold off your life to the company reach those inflated fantasy incomes.

SkyHigh