$2,700 = $30,000

The other day while going through some old family papers I came across this 1945 salary agreement for my grandfather who was a longtime industrial arts teacher at La Crosse's Logan High School. I was surprised by the low sum of $2,700 but adjusted for inflation that amount would be equal to about $30,000 in present day wages based on the Consumer Price Index. But even $30,000 is low compared to what the average public school teacher makes today, which is about $50,000 according to a Google search. Also, in 1945 my grandfather had six children at home so it's no wonder my mother says he always worked extra jobs to help support the family.