Jobs With the Best Retirement Benefits

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I cannot even come close to the lifestyle, early retirement, lifetime retirement benefits of the average 3rd grade teacher. June/July off with pay, Spring break, Christmas break, EARLY retirement in your 50's with $2,000 a month for life. To match that, in ANY industry is next to impossible. I think we all agree the average USA 3rd grade teacher is NOT CONSIDERED A HIGH PAYING JOB but in reality YOU CAN'T TOUCH IT in the private sector with the average loan officer, insurance agent, Home Depot employee, Lowes, machine Shop, auto repairman, the list goes on and on. Public Sector, Tax supported retirements can't be done anywhere else that I can find... for the Average run of the mill worker... I'm not talking the CEO or School Principal or Superintendent... I'm talking about the normal boring average rank-and-file worker! Canadian Mounty might be a younger retirement at 45... but in USA private jobs not even close.

TruthTeller of TX 8:17PM June 24, 2010

I second the motion

rjt of CA 4:44PM April 08, 2010

i think the people are stupid to pay the police and fireman that much when they retired. i think they get about 80% to 90% of there pd what the hell are we doing. 50% would be great hell they don't do anything except eat doughnut and drink coffee i am talking about the cops fireman do work.

william of CA 8:48AM April 08, 2010

If yesterday's healthcare bill is any indication, we're fools to save for retirement. It will be counted against us when computing redistribution.
The best approach is to spend it all and then ask Uncle Sam to take care of us .... that is unless the composition on Congress changes.

Rick of FL 10:35PM March 23, 2010

I notice it's all PRIVATE sector.
Where's the gov't retirement data?

Ron of TX 7:27AM March 23, 2010

This is response to Colonel Jim Lincoln,USA (Ret) e-mail of Mar 22, 2010.
Re: military retirement-the best (wanta bet-my words-read below)
Following is an example of Police Officer retirement in Orange County,CA in 2006.
A Chief of Police of a city in this county with 30 years service, age 51, was
to retire in 2006, at $158,000.00 per year (index for inflation). The city asked
him to stay on for another year, and paid him both retired pay and an additional
$158.000.00 (total $317,000.00). He still is that city's Chief of Police.
If Colonel Lincoln retired in 2006, his retired pay would have been $48,004.
for 20 yrs and $79,572. for 30 yrs service (and if the Colonel was asked to
stay on, he would NOT get both retired and active duty pay). If Col Lincoln
was a regimental commander he would have 1000s of soldiers under his
command. The Police Chief above had 345 sworn officers.
A full (4 star) general or admiral (the highest rank in the military-since WWII)
with 100s of thousand of troops and billions in property, under his command.
Would have received $127,764.00 retired pay for 30 years service in 2006
In 2006, in the above city, a Lieutenant (step 4) with 30 yrs service
would have retired with at LEAST $102,901.00, and a Captain (step 4)
with at least $121,497.00. Additionally, in 2006, the city provided
uniforms and the police officers did NOT have to contribute towards their
retirement.
I feel there is a lot similarity, between military service and public safety
officers (especially-police officers) i.e. uniforms, discipline, serving the
citizens, esprit de corps, public service and are volunteers - etc.
But what a world of difference, when it comes to pensions, benefits
(separation from family for extended periods, for numerous times,
exceeding a year at a time, over a career). No overtime EVER. No dual pay (retirement/active)
I am an 81 year old retired U. S. Marine Corps Captain.
I enlisted in 1948 as a private, held six enlisted ranks, Warrant Officer,
Chief Warrant Officer, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and Captain.
Thanks..Paul Siemasko (I have documentation to back figures/info
cited above)
.

Paul SIEMASKO of CA 3:50AM March 23, 2010

Nice article detailing important information that should be in the hands of all who are in the job market or looking to change jobs.
As statistics have shown, too few people save enough for retirement failing to realize that the combination of Social Security and pension aren't usually adequate and, as we keep hearing, might not be there FOR retirement if Social Security tanks and companies holding pension plans go out of existence.
One thing the government could do for EVERY future retiree is require that all pension plans be portable the way they are in some professions, notably college and university teaching (TIAA/CREF). Lose or change your job? Your retirement fund goes with you wherever you end up. Government CAN do the right thing here without requiring all employers to contribute to pension plans.
America just got somewhat better with health care reform. With making portability of all pension plans law, it can become better again.

Ron W. Smith of UT 4:53PM March 22, 2010

You left out the military-if you can hang in for 20 years,retirement (especially for an officer) is better than most companies,even large corporations,plus you get good health/dental coverage (was promised to be free,but that is another story)
Jim Lincoln Colonel,US Army Retired

jLincoln of VA 3:26PM March 22, 2010