Teachers'salaries in Latin America : a comparative analysis

Data from household surveys of 12 Latin American countries were used to assess how teachers'salaries compare with those of workers in other occupations. The results show that salaries vary among countries, ranging from an apparent 35 percent underpayment in Bolivia (compared with the contol group) to a 65 percent overypayment in Colombia. But when statistical controls are introduced for differences in education, hours worked, and gender composition between the teachers group and the comparator group, much of the earnings differential disappears. The authors conclude that the data do not support the position that teachers are either overpaid or underpaid.