Another random question but who earns more, a teacher or charter accountant?

[PITCHpink]

I completely understand it depends on several factors, such as how long in the job, are they head of department etc… but in general terms over a working lifetime, which career would be more lucrative?

Don’t think too much in to it! It’s a general question so an average salary

Accountant

There’s too many factors here. I started teaching on 17K and about to move to a 97K role. Other people who started with me are earning 43K now. Teaching has career progression which can result in high salaries. An ex colleague of mine is CEO of a trust and earns 160K, started as a classroom teacher.

On average an accountant, but as PP said there are lots of variables.

You also need to take into account that while teachers undoubtedly do lots and lots of unpaid overtime their salary is calculated to reflect that there are 13 weeks of school holidays and they aren't paid for all of them so it is effectively a pro rata salary.

Totally agree there are lots of variables and I know it’s tricky to give a one word answer, but I assume you’re the exception rather than the norm?

So over a lifetime in general terms would be about as good of an answer that would be possible, given all the variables.

Over a lifetime, in general, the chartered accountant will earn more.

The question needs context, if it's literally about how many pounds do they take home in an average year, that's one thing. But if it's about how good is the overall picture of salary, pension, working hours, holiday etc it's very different, (eg a teacher's pension will be huge compared to an accountant, the holidays and hours worked will be much better for the teacher etc etc). Nothing in life is this simple.

Accountant.

Accountant.

Accountants definitely will earn way more on average. Teachers will work more hours, yes they technically get more holidays but the pay reflects this and they are usually expected to do work during them. Per hour worked teacher pay is very low, most teachers I know are in school roughly 7:30-5:30, end up working most evenings, weekends and much of the 'holidays'. Obviously teachers who move into management will earn more than those in the classroom, but probably still less than a senior accountant.