There are a lot of teachers. Supply and demand plays a role. Primary funding source is gov. Private schools actually pay less, typically. Even then, there are often good benefits and the combination of pay and flexibility isn’t bad. In fact, teachers are amongst the most common jobs in those with 1 percentile networths.
Military can be pretty lucrative, even as an enlisted type. Training, tax benefits, pension, access to post military civilian jobs. Even for the blue collar type military position. Do your 20 years. You’re done at 38. Do another 20 years of a VA job. You’re done at 58. You’ve got 2 pensions worth the equivalent of 7 figures, plus tsp if you’ve used it and lifetime healthcare. Hard to replicate that in the civilian sector with minimal skills. Same for marginal college types. People who got through college. Have no idea what they want to do for a career. Weren’t great students. Not really competitive for college level jobs outside of hr or office work. Let the military steer. All of the sudden, you’re an officer. It can be a complete life turn around.