A recent state audit found faculty members in Wisconsin's Technical College System have the second highest average salary in the Midwest, with a base of over $61,000.
During testimony Wednesday before the Legislature's Joint Audit Committee, System President Daniel Clancy says the trend is justified because Wisconsin has to compete with other states for qualified teachers in a tight employment market.
Also, Clancy says most teachers making large salaries are often handling more than the average course load. He says that's especially true when there's high demand in a career field that may only be temporary.
Michigan is the only Midwestern state that pays higher average salaries at its Technical Colleges. A state audit found that average was about $64,140 for the 2004-05 school year.