Will I Be Impoverished if I Teach at a Community College?

Question

I know that teaching at a CC results in poor pay and no benefits, but just how bad is the pay? I mean, if I teach a full load of classes, will I even be able to afford food and a studio apartment in Southern California? I basically heard CC teachers live in poverty, and that their pay basically measures out to be less than a McDonald's manager.
So how much do you adjunct make a year? I'm actuallly teaching my first CC class now (T.A) and I love it. However, I'm afraid I won't be able to do this job I love if I don't want to be homeless. Is it really that horrible (financially) out there at the community colleges?

I'm not looking for a job with the "big bucks." I'm willing to do a job I love with a lower salary. All I care about is surviving somewhat comfortably (and to me that would be a studio apt with food).

Thanks for the advice. I hate Southern California anyway, and the fact that some of you said that the pay is better in other states gives me better reason to get out of here.

Answer 1

My brother in law is a CC teacher and he makes a bundle.
I don't know where you heard about the bad pay for this but here in Arizona it's not too bad. Maybe it depends which CC you hook up with.

Answer 2

i don't think you're going to be homeless--i mean, you have a job. don't stop doing something you like just because of the money. if you really like the job you'll make ends meet somehow; if money means more to you than by all means get the heck out of teaching. also, you could always move to a different, cheaper state, and teach in a CC there, and your money would go further.

Answer 3

I don't know where you live, but full time teachers at Nassau Community College in Nassau County, NY make a good salary.