First off, you are averaging in some very low wage, low contributing, shorter length workers (remember, you only need to contribute to Social Security 40 quarters to receive benefits) with one highly educated (Masters or better) teacher who worked steadily for 30+ years. Using one person vs a large average is not valid. Second, you didn't consider the Medicare tax PERA members pay. Third, you didn't add in the value of your employer's contribution to your 401K. Apples to apples would be a more enlighteneng, less biased comparison.