Dollars and Sense

I thought it might be interesting to research wages in America. I know... and you're probably right... I need a hobby. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of meeting all sorts of people in Montana.

We live in a bizzaro and surreal state where you might bump into a professional athlete or movie star at the grocery store before passing a homeless sign holder as you drive away. In Montana, worth is determined by character and integrity, and not by how much a person makes. I've met multi-millionaires who were humble beyond belief and I've rubbed shoulders with people in the dollar menu line who had no business being as arrogant as they were. People deserve respect because of who they are and not because of what now much they make.

In the economy at large, civilian compensation is increasing at an annual rate of 1.9 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average U.S. wage in 2012 was $42,498, according to the Social Security Administration. I thought this was interesting because it encompassed a large sample pool. I furthered my research to look at a few narrower categories.

The yearly average salary for a professional baseball player is $3.39 million, according to the Major League Baseball Players Association. This takes in account the disparity between the highest paid player (a few made $25 million) and the league minimum of $480,000. So, if there are 162 games in a season, the average player gets $1,400 each time he adjusts himself if he adjusts himself 15 times a game over the course of one season. Nice gig if you can get it.

Nationally, high school teachers average $46,345. Again, this meeds to be examined a little more closely because teachers working more than 20 years average close to $58,000 while the average for a first year teacher is $36,000. In Montana, the average starting teaching salary is $26,734. I think you should go find a teacher and hug him or her.

The beginning salary for a police officer in one of Montana's largest cities is $45,841.By the time that officer retires he or she will make close to $61,000. These dedicated public servants regularly put their lives on the line, so I'm reluctant to say there is ever a wage that equals the risk they incur every day.

An electrician in Big Sky country can pull in $53,000, annually. I would like to take this portion of the blog to address the misconception that a person needs to graduate from a 4 year college or university to make a successful living: Um, no... Not necessarily. This industry combines hands-on training with exhaustive technical training.

Large transnational box stores are some of the largest employers in Montana, as well as the rest of America. These megastores provide groceries, vision care, as well as any item a person could ever need. Based upon their 34 hour (full-time) work week, being a cashier at one of the largest national chains will earn a person $15,576. Working hard for almost $27,000 less than the national average demands respect, admiration, and an admittance that some things need to change.

Whatever you make, please understand your value as a person is not tied to that dollar amount. No matter which pay scale you cling to, or how many years toy have been serving those around you, what makes you an invaluable part of the community is your treatment of others.