CHICAGO (Oct. 16, 2019) – During the past 10 years, members of the Chicago Teachers Union have seen their salaries grow 75% faster than the salaries of everyday Chicagoans, according to new research from the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. These findings come as the Chicago Teachers Union gears up to strike tomorrow over wages, benefits, classroom sizes and a slew of other requests.

From 2009 to 2018, the median salary of a Chicago teacher increased nearly 21%, up to $75,000 from $62,000. In comparison, the median salary for a private sector Chicagoan only increased 12%, up to $67,000 from $60,000. Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s offer to CTU would increase the average teacher salary from $79,000 to almost $100,000 over five years, including annual step increases.

When analyzing the journey of a teacher compared to another professional with similar starting pay, the difference in pay growth is even more significant. A new teacher in 2009 has seen his or her salary nearly double during the past decade from $56,500 to $102,000 today. However, this level of growth is not common for a new hire in the private sector.

Quote from Adam Schuster, budget and tax research director for the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute:

“Members of the Chicago Teachers Union have been offered a fair and generous contract. But demands are going above and beyond what the everyday Chicagoan who must pay for that contract has experienced in his or her career. The terms of the contract must be fair to taxpayers who have already faced a slew of city, county and state tax hikes.”

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.