I was a teacher and stopped in 2011. Pay was $38k/yr with summer school. Looks like the same southern California inner city school district pays $68k/yr now for the same pay step. That is a big jump but I am not sure I would call it attractive. And in North Carolina's state capital, where I am now, the rate is $50k/yr. That is some struggle-bus territory.

My first programming gig doubled my income and nearly halved my hours. The stress lowering alone would have been worth it. I haven't had anyone try to physically fight me as a dev. I think the same applies today; teachers are underpaid.

This is very region dependent. When I left education for consulting after 10 years as a HS teacher, I was making 55k. I started at 38k.

In Chicagoland, it's one of the better benefits packages you can get in a widely-available job. Defined-benefit pension, great health, huge amounts of vacation.

I know a few retired teachers in the Chicago area, and it’s uniquely generous*.