[LoneRangerMassachusetts]

I think the University of Michigan study must be working with aggregate numbers. The private sector number would include a whole lot of part-time workers at or near minimum wage at WalMart, Burger King, etc. Since the public sector is generally covered by “living wage” laws, etc., they can't help but have a discrepancy

I don't believe you. In Massachusetts, state toll collectors make more than $60,000 a year. Try getting a cashiers job in the private sectore that even comes close to that. It's not the only example.

[SoCalPol]

60,000 a year.

In my dept. all Paralegals and legal secretaries have college degrees and make Way less than 60,000. Not even close.

[muawiyah]

Hmm, toll collectors. Buddy of mine in college used to work that job during Summer.

Lots and lots of interesting sights on that job but while he was there several 18 wheelers managed to run down toll booths.

This is a sort of HIGH RISK JOB on the order of hauling dynamite.

My Summer job in a truck engine plant was much more peaceful ~ then there was the Summer at the Drive In Theatre ~ minimum wage, at night, but I got to wield the high pressure steam hose that we used to "clean" the ladies restroom at 2 AM.

I wouldn't work a toll booth for double Union Rates.

[balls]

MA toll collectors also get a full pension and free health care after thirty years or so.