These numbers are too conservative. The median salary numbers are biased downward by professors in nontechnical fields. Many professors at Harvard, especially in medicine and law, make more than $300K, but most are probably $100-200K. You can get salary numbers for the UC system here.[1]
On the other hand, you are right that the chances of getting through are very slim, maybe 1 in 20 of those dedicated to try. Professional athletics is a safer career move. :)
That's actually a very cool, very useful tool. Thanks!
And yes...for the top-level number I was guestimating. Still, if the top paid professors are in Law and Medicine, consider that these areas are the top paying non-academic professions. In other words, those professors are still taking a major hit.
On the other hand, you are right that the chances of getting through are very slim, maybe 1 in 20 of those dedicated to try. Professional athletics is a safer career move. :)
[1] http://ucpay.globl.org/