"We're falling behind," Burke said.
Montana professors' pay is low, even compared to other low-income states like Kentucky and Louisiana.
The "dirty little secret" in Montana, Burke said, is that young professors start out earning $8,000 less than the national average. But by the end of their careers, they're $25,000 behind. That's causing low morale, high turnover and the hiring of more temporary adjunct instructors, he said.
Such consequences could lead to problems with accreditation and attracting and keeping students, the task force report said.
According to union figures, the pay at doctoral universities like MSU and the University of Montana ranges from an average of $52,532 for newer assistant professors to $75,175 for experienced full professors.
The national average pay for full professors at doctoral universities is $101,360, according to the union.
Sara France, representing MSU's classified employees, said their major concerns are the high cost of housing and increasing pay to compete in the Bozeman market.
"I feel they are listening," France said of the regents. "The task force realized it's a very, very complex situation. It won't be fixed overnight."
--Associated Press
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