[xxxBlakexxx]

Not to be a wise-guy, but if you want to make more loot, then find another job. A teacher is technically a public servant and paid as such. Hey, my old man was a public school teacher for 42 years (HS) and had a masters degree. His last year he made $80k. I made more than his top salary earned a few years out of college. Why? Mostly because I chose a more lucrutive career.

If money is the object, you have to play the odds. More education is generally better. But let's face it, an art major from a small liberal arts college is not going to fare as well as a Chemical Engineer from Cornel University when it comes to starting salaries.

Your choice of major and the school your graduate from will open doors for you, but it's what you do with it over time that matters.

As to your friend, he must either have come from a crappy school with no reputation, has zero personality (which I doubt), or is unwilling to go find a job. We bring in new hires at about $45k plus a car, comission, and bonus (guys with an engineering degree). Most make mid $60's in two years and climb into 6 figures within 5 - 10 years. Our benefits equal about 35% of our compensation.

My brother, on the other hand, is 27 and makes $125k with a video production degree. He started for peanuts in Hollywood, but kept moving up the food chain. The sky is the limit for his earning potential, but a job like his has limited benefits.

I would love to be a HS teacher and would do it in a second if I could negotiate a salary, but teaching jobs always start you at the bottom. Seems crazy to me as in any other job they will pay me for my work experience.