Students have heard it before: actively working in one’s field of study yields more money than going into academia.
At the University, the average faculty member makes approximately $69,067, according to new findings from The Daily Reveille’s salary database. That’s slightly below average for professors across the board, according to Bob Kuhn, associate vice chancellor for Budget and Planning.
That average also includes faculty other than professors and instructors, but the number provides a monetary comparison of the expected income for students who go into academia as opposed to professional jobs in their field.
For example, students can look to biology and chemistry, two popular disciplines in the STEM – or science, technology, engineering and math – fields. On average, associate professors in biology make about $66,000, while associate chemistry professors make about $65,000, according to Salary.com statistics.
That’s significantly less than what top-level scientists in those fields might make outside the classroom – nearly $100,000 for biologists and $99,000 for chemists, statistics show. But those fat paychecks don’t come immediately after graduation. Average entry-level salaries are closer to $45,000 for biologists and $47,000 for chemists who work in the field.
Professors don’t fall so far behind in every discipline, though. For example, while a top-level accountant might earn around $75,000, an accounting professor can make as much as $92,000, according to the Salary.com statistics.
One way graduates can raise their salaries is by getting a Ph.D., according to chemistry professor Graca Vicente.
“Teaching requires a certain level of creativity, especially in math-related fields,” Vicente said. “Graduates that earn a Ph.D. go on to make a lot more than I do. The industry pay is a lot higher, but the work is not secure.”
The freedom that comes with being a professor is another appealing draw into academia.
“As a teacher, I am able to do research on whatever field I am interested in,” Vicente said. “In the industry, what you do really depends on the company. If the company runs out of money, you might be out of a job.”
That freedom and security is alluring to some, but the extra schooling required to become a professor is not appealing to everyone.
Kaitlin Jarnagin, marketing junior and president of business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, said she is unsure if teaching is right for her.
“I think that unless someone is really passionate about the subject, they won’t want to necessarily get a Ph.D. in it and teach,” Jarnagin said.
But when that passion is there, teaching is a fulfilling path, said Alvin Burns, chair of the University’s Department of Marketing.
“Certainly getting a doctoral degree requires a few extra years in school,” Burns said. “For a few years, you essentially live in poverty. But we do it because we love to teach.”
Some at the University believe that allure of freedom and dedication to the University is quickly diminishing.
“We should get past this myth that LSU is such a jolly place, that people want to stay here,” stressed Kevin Cope, Faculty Senate president. “I think that was the case until a few years ago, but the steady stream of bad news from the Capitol has worn out that goodwill.”
Burns agreed with Cope, saying that some in the marketing department have left because of looming budget cuts.
One administrator who recently left the University for a higher salary is E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean Eli Jones. Though Jones’ exact motivation for leaving is unclear, he will enjoy a raise in his new job. The Daily Reveille reported on Feb. 29 that Jones accepted the business dean position at the University of Arkansas, where he’ll make $375,000. That’s up from his base salary at LSU of $299,999.
“Some people do leave and take higher salaries,” Burns said. “But most don’t do it for the money. I personally love working at LSU; there is a culture and working environment here unlike any other.”
Although some faculty leave for higher-paid positions, Kuhn said the quality of instruction at the University remains strong.
“Despite the $92 million in cuts in state appropriations, teachers have continued to provide a great education to students,” Kuhn said. “That is a credit to them. We have great faculty at LSU.”
 
____ Contact Joshua Bergeron at [email protected]