Mathematicians and physicist underpaid

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In summary, there is a common belief that difficult courses such as math and physics lead to underpaid jobs, especially when compared to professions like physiotherapists, electricians, nurses, ultrasound technicians, and garbage collectors. It is difficult to find a job in these fields and starting salaries can be "embarassing". Grad students in these fields often make less than minimum wage and have to work long hours. However, some professors argue that grad students can have their tuition waived and make around $9,000 a year for only 20 hours of work per week. There is also a discussion about the pay and benefits of being a teacher, with some saying it is a difficult job with low pay and others mentioning the potential
  • #1
Serbian.matematika
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Such difficult courses (math & physics) comparing to the many, many other programs but sooooo underpaid comparing to; physiotherapists, electricians, nurses, ultrasound technicians, garbage pickers, etc.

Sooooooo difficult to get a job in those fields (math & physics) and starting salaries are "embarassing".
 
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  • #2
During an especially boring classical mechanics lecture, a few of my fellow compatriots and I calculated that we make less than minimum wage as grad students.

You've got to want it! Or so they say
 
  • #3
but what exactly is that "less than minimum wage"? is that in addition tuition, living,.. expenses. I've been wondering how much money do you really receive in grad school. I might need to start a separate post for that, though.
 
  • #4
brentd49 said:
but what exactly is that "less than minimum wage"? is that in addition tuition, living,.. expenses. I've been wondering how much money do you really receive in grad school. I might need to start a separate post for that, though.

One of my professors was talken to me about grad school students. He said they normally can get tuitions waved and end up making about $9k a year and only work 20 hours a week here.
 
  • #5
Hmm... I wonder if my physics degree will help me break into the garbage picking industry...
 
  • #6
Believe it or not, garbage collectors make a good living.

PL
 
  • #7
Yah they get a damn good salary...
 
  • #8
Pengwuino said:
One of my professors was talken to me about grad school students. He said they normally can get tuitions waved and end up making about $9k a year and only work 20 hours a week here.
$9000/12months/80hours= 9.375
it is about the starting wage if you work in bestbuy at dallas
i am a freshman student in math major, and two of my jobs are paying 8.5 and 10 dollars per hours (unrelated to mathematic, but it requires professional skill).
so yea... think about it b4 you major in math and science
most students still end up teaching.
 
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  • #9
$9.38/hour starting wage at best buy?? Thats almost 50% higher then the minimum wage
 
  • #10
$9 is decent pay for a part time job. I wouldn't plan on starting a family on a $9/hr job.
 
  • #11
I wouldn't plan on starting a family with a part time job :P
 
  • #12
I once saw a person wearing a sweatshirt that said
"University of Florida
Graduate Assistant


It's not just a job,
it's an indenture!"


But where did you get the idea that mathematicians and physicists are underpaid compared to nurses? Nurses don't make nearly as much as they should!
(And that's said by a mathematician!)
 
  • #13
Let me tell you; at a local community college salary for a math teacher with 4 yrs experience $39,700.00/yr, and for a nurse with 7 yrs experience $35.10/hr , in Ontario, Canada. I am not saying that a nurse is overpaid although it is a good money, i am sayiny math graduates are very, very underpaid.
 
  • #14
Pengwuino said:
$9.38/hour starting wage at best buy?? Thats almost 50% higher then the minimum wage

I remember my friend was getting that working in the stereo/audio department, but he said that others made slightly less(except for geek squad who make even more).Oh, and it's almost 100% higher than minimum wage ;) I know what you meant though.
 
  • #15
Wow, that's a sweet deal. I should try to get a job there.
 
  • #16
Pengwuino said:
Wow, that's a sweet deal. I should try to get a job there.

what i would do is to major in math still, then apply a job in bestbuy. Become their market analysist, etc. lol

----------------- what a joke above----------------------
Teacher is always underpaid, but you need to include its benefit, work schedule, paid holiday and etc.
Math (tutor + Educator) are a high paying job, if you want to work after school. lol
 
  • #17
Teacher has no benefits unless you love teaching. The work is damn hard. After you're done teaching, you get to plan tomorrow's lessons and grade papers for 30-90 kids. Paid holiday? You won't get to go anywhere, since you can barely make ends meet. Above public schools it gets better, but up to high-school it's a HORRIBLE job.

PL
 
  • #18
Yah but you don't need to know much and you have a guaranteed job as long as you don't get arrested for kiddie porn or other federal felonies.
 
  • #19
leon1127 said:
$9000/12months/80hours= 9.375
it is about the starting wage if you work in bestbuy at dallas
i am a freshman student in math major, and two of my jobs are paying 8.5 and 10 dollars per hours (unrelated to mathematic, but it requires professional skill).
so yea... think about it b4 you major in math and science
most students still end up teaching.

You're forgetting that these grad students also get their tuition paid for, in addition to their stipend!
 
  • #20
leright said:
You're forgetting that these grad students also get their tuition paid for, in addition to their stipend!

more percisely, most grad student's tuition are waived.


Poop-Loops said:
Teacher has no benefits unless you love teaching. The work is damn hard. After you're done teaching, you get to plan tomorrow's lessons and grade papers for 30-90 kids. Paid holiday? You won't get to go anywhere, since you can barely make ends meet. Above public schools it gets better, but up to high-school it's a HORRIBLE job.

PL
my calculus teacher never graded a single paper except the paper for school grading system (perhaps it is an unique exception...). But i admit that HS teacher is a horrible job if you get a student like me :devil: .
My calculus teacher is a part time teacher in my HS, and she owns a tutor school for SATs and Math. I believe she makes about 4000-5000 a month which isn't bad for a mathematic B.S
 

1. Why are mathematicians and physicists underpaid?

The salaries of mathematicians and physicists are determined by factors such as the demand for their skills, the funding available for research, and the supply of qualified individuals in the job market. These factors can vary and may result in lower salaries for these professionals compared to others in different fields.

2. Is there a wage gap between mathematicians and physicists compared to other professions?

Yes, studies have shown that mathematicians and physicists tend to earn lower salaries compared to other professions, even when accounting for education level and job responsibilities. This may be due to the perception that their work is less directly applicable and therefore less valuable to society.

3. Are female mathematicians and physicists paid less than their male counterparts?

Unfortunately, the wage gap between male and female mathematicians and physicists does exist, with women in these fields typically earning less than men for the same positions and responsibilities. This is a widespread issue in the STEM fields and is being actively addressed by various organizations and initiatives.

4. How do the salaries of mathematicians and physicists compare to those in other countries?

The salaries of mathematicians and physicists can vary significantly between countries. In some countries, these professionals may be highly valued and compensated accordingly, while in others they may be paid significantly less. Factors such as cost of living, government funding for research, and cultural attitudes towards these fields can all play a role in the differences in salaries.

5. Are there any efforts being made to address the issue of underpaid mathematicians and physicists?

Yes, there are various initiatives and organizations working towards addressing the issue of underpaid mathematicians and physicists. These include advocating for fair salaries, providing resources and support for career development, and promoting diversity and inclusion in these fields. However, progress is slow and there is still much work to be done to achieve equitable compensation for these professionals.

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