Ultimately, says Mr. Hallock, compensation is an inexact science, determined by labor-market conditions, company budgets and individual employees' performance and turnover risk.

WSJ: Workers Share Their Salary Secrets

He and his wife, Amy Mickelson, launched the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in 2005 and have testified before the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee about the importance of math and science education.

FORBES: Golfer Phil Mickelson Would Have Majored in Math

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a hearing on pay equity, while the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on the proposed merger between NBC and Comcast.

FORBES: Thursday Briefing: Billionaires, Rite Aid and Greece

Science and technology are the bedrock of the global economy, and according to business and labor statistics, employment in these areas will increase about 70% faster than the rate for all occupations.

FORBES: Magazine Article

At the event, officials from the Departments of Transportation, Labor, Energy, Education, and Agriculture, as well as from the Office of Personnel Management, National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency and Corporation for National and Community Service, met with leaders of STEM mentoring organizations and members of the public.

WHITEHOUSE: Celebrating Mentoring Month with Science and Engineering