Professors in science, engineering, health, economics, and finance are wildly underpaid compared to what they could earn in other jobs. Professors take that pa

Professors in science, engineering, health, economics, and finance are wildly underpaid compared to what they could earn in other jobs. Professors take that pay cut for academic freedom, the ability to control their own lives and think independently, and to be part of an intellectual community. It is common for academic medical doctors to earn two to three times less than doctors in private practice. (i.e. 50% to 33% of private practice physicians. For example, an intensivist can make $500k+ in some private hospitals and normally makes $200-250k in an academic setting.)