Well, if you look around, sources put the average starting salary for professionals with a 4-year degree in the mid $50K range. I would say, given the added necessary certification credential, $60K starting would be nice. The bigger issue here is the cap in earning potential. BUT....someone should have told you that going in. Teaching in a classroom pegs out at about $70K in the best districts. I think that may be the largest difference. An engineer (similar college, similar credential requirements) can be an engineer still and make 6 figures as he/she moves up in career standing. To make even close to that in education, you have to go back for masters and doctorates, leave the classroom and be a principal, superintendent, and give up you home life in many cases.