State Employee Pay in the US 2025
State employee compensation represents a significant portion of government expenditures across the United States, with 19.9 million Americans working in state and local government positions as of March 2024. These dedicated public servants form the backbone of essential services, from education and public safety to healthcare and infrastructure maintenance. The landscape of state employee pay continues to evolve, reflecting economic conditions, budget constraints, and the ongoing need to attract and retain qualified personnel in the public sector.
Understanding state employee pay statistics provides valuable insights into government spending priorities and workforce trends. With state governments employing 5.5 million workers and local governments accounting for 14.4 million employees, these positions represent substantial economic activity and career opportunities across all 50 states. The compensation packages for these positions vary significantly by state, function, and level of government, making comprehensive analysis essential for policymakers, taxpayers, and prospective public employees.
Key Facts & Stats about State Employee Pay in the US 2025
| Statistic | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total State & Local Government Employees | 19.9 million | 2.5% increase from 2023 |
| State Government Employees | 5.5 million | 27.7% of total workforce |
| Local Government Employees | 14.4 million | 72.3% of total workforce |
| Full-Time Employees | 15.4 million | 77.4% of total workforce |
| Part-Time Employees | 4.5 million | 22.6% of total workforce |
| Full-Time State Employees | 4.0 million | 3.3% increase from 2023 |
| Part-Time State Employees | 1.5 million | 2.1% increase from 2023 |
| Full-Time Local Employees | 11.4 million | 2.1% increase from 2023 |
| Part-Time Local Employees | 3.0 million | 3.4% increase from 2023 |
State employee pay in the United States reflects both the scale and structure of public service employment across the country. In 2025, nearly 19.9 million people are employed by state and local governments, marking a moderate rise compared to previous years. Of this total, 5.5 million individuals work directly for state governments, while the remaining 14.4 million are employed at the local level. These workers provide essential services ranging from education and law enforcement to transportation and public health. The employment composition shows that full-time roles dominate, with 77.4% of the workforce holding full-time positions, underscoring the consistent demand for stable, long-term government roles that support core administrative and operational needs.
The distribution between full-time and part-time positions reveals nuanced workforce strategies employed by different levels of government. Among state employees, 4.0 million are full-time, and 1.5 million are part-time, reflecting a slight but steady growth over the previous year. On the local level, 11.4 million are full-time, while 3.0 million work part-time. These figures suggest that while full-time positions are prioritized for operational stability, part-time roles continue to play a vital role in supporting flexibility and cost efficiency, especially in local governments. Overall, the structure of state employee pay and employment in 2025 highlights the ongoing efforts by government entities to balance efficiency, service delivery, and workforce sustainability.
State Government Employment Trends in the US 2025
| Employment Category | 2024 Numbers | Growth Rate | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total State Employees | 5.5 million | 2.7% increase | 27.7% |
| Full-Time State Workers | 4.0 million | 3.3% increase | 72.7% |
| Part-Time State Workers | 1.5 million | 2.1% increase | 27.3% |
| Higher Education Employees | Data Pending | Largest Growth Sector | Significant Portion |
State government employment demonstrates robust growth patterns across multiple categories, with full-time positions experiencing the strongest expansion at 3.3 percent growth compared to the previous year. This growth rate exceeds the overall state government employment increase, suggesting that states are prioritizing permanent, full-time positions over temporary or part-time arrangements. The emphasis on full-time employment reflects state governments’ commitment to maintaining stable workforce levels and providing comprehensive benefits packages to attract qualified candidates.
The higher education sector emerges as a major growth driver within state employment, particularly in part-time positions. This trend aligns with the expanding role of state universities and community colleges in workforce development and continuing education programs. State governments continue to invest in educational infrastructure and personnel, recognizing education as a critical component of economic development and citizen services. The growth in part-time positions within higher education also reflects the flexible staffing needs of academic institutions, which often require adjunct faculty and seasonal support staff.
Local Government Employment Patterns in the US 2025
| Local Employment Metric | 2024 Data | Growth Rate | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Local Employees | 14.4 million | 2.4% increase | All Functions |
| Full-Time Local Workers | 11.4 million | 2.1% increase | Core Services |
| Part-Time Local Workers | 3.0 million | 3.4% increase | Education, Parks |
| Elementary/Secondary Education | Data Pending | Major Growth Area | Largest Sector |
| Parks and Recreation | Data Pending | Significant Growth | Quality of Life |
Local government employment patterns reveal distinctive trends that differ from state-level hiring. Part-time local government positions experienced the highest growth rate at 3.4 percent, significantly outpacing full-time position growth at 2.1 percent. This trend suggests that local governments are adapting to budget constraints and seasonal service demands by creating more flexible employment arrangements. The emphasis on part-time positions also allows local governments to respond more effectively to fluctuating service needs and budget cycles.
Elementary and secondary education, along with parks and recreation, lead the growth in part-time local government employment. These sectors naturally accommodate part-time work arrangements, with schools requiring substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff, while parks and recreation departments need seasonal workers for summer programs and facility maintenance. The growth in these areas reflects communities’ continued investment in education and quality of life services, even during periods of fiscal constraint. Local governments recognize that these services directly impact resident satisfaction and community development.
Public Sector Workforce Composition in the US 2025
| Workforce Distribution | Numbers | Percentage | Employment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| State vs Local Split | 5.5M vs 14.4M | 27.7% vs 72.3% | All Categories |
| Full-Time Dominance | 15.4 million | 77.4% | Permanent Positions |
| Part-Time Segment | 4.5 million | 22.6% | Flexible Arrangements |
| Total Public Workforce | 19.9 million | 100% | State & Local Combined |
The composition of the public sector workforce reveals important insights about government employment priorities and strategies. The overwhelming dominance of local government employment at 72.3 percent of the total workforce demonstrates how most government services are delivered at the community level. This distribution makes sense given that local governments handle direct citizen services such as police protection, fire services, waste management, local education, and municipal utilities. The local focus of government employment also means that public sector jobs are distributed throughout communities rather than concentrated in state capitals.
Full-time employment represents more than three-quarters of all state and local government positions, indicating that public sector employment continues to offer career stability and comprehensive benefits. This employment structure attracts workers seeking long-term career opportunities with pension benefits, health insurance, and job security. The 22.6 percent part-time segment serves important functions in areas requiring flexible staffing, seasonal work, or specialized expertise on a limited basis. This balanced approach allows governments to maintain core services with full-time staff while adapting to varying service demands through part-time positions.
Employment Growth Analysis in the US 2025
| Growth Category | Growth Rate | Total Increase | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall State & Local | 2.5% | 500,000 jobs | Service Expansion |
| State Full-Time | 3.3% | 130,000 jobs | Higher Education |
| Local Part-Time | 3.4% | 100,000 jobs | Education, Parks |
| State Part-Time | 2.1% | 30,000 jobs | Higher Education |
The employment growth analysis reveals strong momentum in public sector hiring across multiple categories. The overall growth rate of 2.5 percent represents approximately 500,000 new jobs created in the state and local government sector, demonstrating significant expansion in public employment opportunities. This growth rate exceeds many private sector benchmarks and indicates robust demand for government services and the workforce needed to deliver them.
State government full-time positions experienced the strongest growth at 3.3 percent, primarily driven by expansion in higher education institutions. This growth reflects states’ commitment to educational excellence and workforce development programs. Universities and community colleges require additional faculty, administrators, and support staff to accommodate growing enrollment and expanded program offerings. Local government part-time positions showed remarkable growth at 3.4 percent, with the largest increases occurring in elementary and secondary education, parks and recreation, and other essential community services. This growth pattern indicates that communities are investing in quality of life improvements and educational support services.
State Employee Salary Ranges in the US 2025
| Salary Category | Average Amount | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average State Employee Salary | $104,171 | $45,000 – $180,000 | Glassdoor Data |
| Federal Government Average | $75,890 | $50,000 – $200,000+ | PayScale 2025 |
| US Department of State | $93,865 | $60,000 – $150,000 | PayScale 2025 |
| Entry Level State Positions | $35,000 – $45,000 | Varies by State | Multiple Sources |
| Senior State Positions | $80,000 – $150,000 | Management Level | Industry Analysis |
| Highest Paying State (Washington DC) | $52.89/hour | $110,000+ annually | 2025 Salary Survey |
| National Salary Average | $63,795 | All Industries | SoFi Research 2025 |
The salary landscape for state employees in 2025 reveals significant variation across positions, experience levels, and geographic locations. The average state employee salary of $104,171 represents a competitive compensation package that often exceeds private sector equivalents when benefits are factored in. This figure reflects the government’s efforts to attract qualified professionals while maintaining fiscal responsibility. State employee salaries typically include comprehensive benefits packages that add substantial value beyond base compensation, including health insurance, retirement plans, and job security.
Geographic location plays a crucial role in determining state employee compensation levels. Washington, DC leads with $52.89 per hour, reflecting the high cost of living and concentration of federal positions in the nation’s capital. States like Massachusetts, Washington, and California typically offer higher compensation to match regional living costs and competitive job markets. Entry-level positions generally range from $35,000 to $45,000, providing accessible career entry points for new graduates and career changers, while senior management positions can reach $150,000 or more, demonstrating clear advancement opportunities within state government careers.
State Government Pay Scale Comparison in the US 2025
| Position Level | Salary Range | Benefits Value | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (GS-5 equivalent) | $35,000 – $42,000 | $15,000 – $18,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| Mid-Level (GS-9 equivalent) | $55,000 – $65,000 | $20,000 – $25,000 | $75,000 – $90,000 |
| Senior Level (GS-13 equivalent) | $85,000 – $105,000 | $30,000 – $40,000 | $115,000 – $145,000 |
| Management (GS-15 equivalent) | $120,000 – $150,000 | $45,000 – $55,000 | $165,000 – $205,000 |
| Executive Level | $150,000 – $200,000+ | $60,000 – $80,000 | $210,000 – $280,000 |
The structured pay scale system used by most state governments provides transparency and predictable career progression for employees. Total compensation packages often exceed base salaries by 35-45 percent when comprehensive benefits are included, making state employment highly competitive with private sector opportunities. These benefits typically include health insurance premium contributions, retirement plan matching, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and job security that many private employers cannot match.
Career advancement within state government systems follows established pathways with clear requirements and regular promotion opportunities. The pay scale structure encourages long-term employment by rewarding experience and performance through systematic salary increases and advancement to higher classification levels. Executive level positions representing the highest tier can reach total compensation packages exceeding $280,000 when all benefits are calculated, demonstrating that state government careers can provide substantial financial rewards for experienced professionals in leadership roles.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
