To increase the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce, U.S. education policy has emphasized the pathways from education to STEM careers. While some scholars argue that employers prioritize the degree, and not institutional affiliation, in hiring graduates, the argument needs to be warranted with more recent data…

This study investigates the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations from the aspect of earning differentials. Using a national data source that tracked college graduates' work experiences over a ten-year time frame post-bachelor's degree, this study examines longitudinally the…

An analysis of the determinants of salary structures in American universities, based on data from a national survey, reveals higher salaries for those who publish than those who don't, lower salaries for those teaching than for researchers or administrators, and substantial variation in salaries in various fields. (JT)

Study estimated how pay disparity varied by race, marital status, gender, and field. Results show considerable differences overall, with unexplained wage gaps for racial/ethnic group, dramatic variations between men and women, and further by field. Earnings differences among racial/ethnic categories are not uniform. The return on marriage for men…

An examination of the rewards to full-time, male faculty at American universities in two fields, economics and education, showed that publishers are more highly rewarded than their unpublished colleagues, economists receiving more than those in education. Outstanding teaching is apparently not rewarded but public service and administrative skills…

Cost-of-living differentials are so great that discussing academic compensation without reference to cost-of-living data is to draw an incomplete picture. The extent to which the cost of living affects faculty compensation is demonstrated by comparing faculty at 388 institutions in terms of nominal and real compensation. (Author/MLW)

Total faculty earnings are compared with those of other professional occupations using earnings data collected by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Comparisons show faculty earnings appear to be comparable to those of nonacademicians. The use of academic contract salary data results in an underrepresentation of academic earnings. (Author/MLW)

Large national surveys of faculty afford analysts the opportunity to examine differences in faculty salary based on combinations of all three dimensions--gender, race/ethnicity, and marital status--as well as the possible interactive effects among them. In this study, the authors used data from the 1999 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty…

Recent data about faculty salaries, promotion, tenure rates, and merit pay are examined to shed new light on the broad influence of unionism in U.S. faculty compensation patterns. A major question posed is whether or not incidence of merit pay declines with the spread of unionism. (MSE)