It is often reported that sport and entertainment personalities are often paid significantly higher salaries than doctors and teachers. Although the truth of this statement may appear overwhelmingly one-sided, the reality is a much deeper and more complex matter. A heavy discussion such as weighing the values of certain occupations deserves a much more thought-out and nuanced approach.
Athletes and entertainment personalities, such as actors, comedians, and social media influencers, have, in the modern day, become the very front of social media; it is important to outline the overarching truth. Most people in these industries are often paid very little, although the ceiling for this work is much higher than for white-collar workers; the vast majority of actors, comedians, and athletes never reach this metaphorical ceiling. Jobs such as these are incredibly swayed by rare talent and connections and are exceedingly hard to succeed in. It is often undermined that those who hold these positions do not accrue debt, as with academics, when the truth is that many actors or comedians go to acting school or pursue the arts. Neither of which, might I add, are cheap. Comedians have unreliable wages, and so do actors; getting a good gig is rare. As for top-level athletes, their wages also pay for their coaches, physicians, and therapists. The effort and dedication to maintaining their bodies and keeping them in peak condition is expensive and a daily struggle. This applies to football players in leagues as well as Olympic competitors. I think the internet often leaves out the wage difference between those whom they see on Instagram at an international-level competition versus a small-bar comedian.
Doctors and teachers are essential in any society’s foundation. Teachers teach the younger generation, shaping them to be functional members of society, while doctors are experts in disease and health and accumulate vast amounts of knowledge to fulfill their jobs. Teachers often have large differences in wages depending on which stage of education they are teaching. Professors are paid well and usually hold a master’s or PhD in their subject of teaching. Teachers from high school to kindergarten, however, are paid poorly yet require a teaching degree as well as one in their subject. Doctors study for upwards of 7 years before properly qualifying to work with patients. In all three cases, they gather massive debt in student loans. Often working a third of their professional lives to pay these predatory debts off, it is unsurprising that they require high wages. Doctors and professors are paid well; however, teachers are not. Considering how teachers influence a child during their most pivotal years, it is, without a doubt, a wage increase worth considering. A wage increase would also attract more qualified teachers and also increase the qualifications and talent required for such work. This induces competition, increasing the quality of education provided to the youth. As most teachers are employed by the government in public schools, it is, ultimately, their responsibility. This will drastically raise the educational attainment and allow children to pursue higher-paid jobs and enter academia.
In conclusion, I think doctors and professors are paid well, and primary and secondary school teachers should be paid better, and that actors, comedians, and athletes are not paid as highly as people think they are overall.