Presidential pay is again causing a ruckus with the hiring of Mark G. Yudof, the University of California’s new president, who will earn $828,000 in a job that is among the most difficult in higher education. But how do college presidents stack up to other hotshots when it comes to compensation?
The Chronicle conducted a decidedly unscientific survey, the results of which appear below. The most recent available median compensation is listed after each job. —Paul Fain
CEO of S&P 500 company—$8.5-million
NBA player—$4-million
College football coach (NCAA Division I)—$1-million
Neurosurgeon—$530,000
President of public research university—$397,000
U.S. Senator—$162,500
NASA astronaut (top pay grade)—$130,000
Reporter—$42,000