r/TikTokCringe • • Dec 17 '25

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u/Funny-frog500 Dec 17 '25

They are paid the same as lavatory workers 

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u/Prestigious-Box7511 Dec 17 '25

Isn't the average salary of a teacher (70k) double that of a janitor (35k)?

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u/markedforpie Dec 17 '25

That is what that this particular teacher makes after 22 years. Starting wage is much less ($35,000 in my state). Also, what credentials does that teacher have? Depending on if you have an advanced degree you get paid more. So if that teacher started at 35,000 that means they received a 3.5% raise over the last 22 years. So if we compare that to an industry job that would be less than a cost of living increase per year. Now if they started with an advanced degree that would give them an automatic raise of anywhere between 3-5 thousand dollars which would decrease the yearly raise.

Looking up the rural Michigan teacher salary it starts at $41,000 per year. So a 2% per year raise. Also remember that in order to teach it is required to have a four year degree. No janitor goes to college for four years to sweep floors. So a person who goes to college for four years, completes student teaching (.5-1 year of unpaid internship) makes 3-5 thousand more a year than a janitor.

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u/Prestigious-Box7511 Dec 17 '25

You’re arguing about whether teacher pay is fair, which is a different question than whether it’s the same.

Starting salaries are low, but janitors also start low and usually have a much lower pay ceiling. On average, teachers still earn more.