Government workers now make more than private-sector workers in Idaho

By ANNE WALLACE ALLEN

Idaho Business Review

BOISE — If you work for the government in Idaho, chances are you’re now making more than your private-sector counterpart.

Government wages passed private-sector wages this year. Statistics from the state Department of Labor showed that the average monthly wage of $3,167 for government workers at all levels - federal, state and local - was 7.2 percent above the average for all workers in the private sector in 2009.

Public sector wages tend to rise above private sector wages in economic downturns. In the 1990s, private sector wages gained on public-sector wages, and by 2000 they were 7.2 percent higher than average government wages. But after the 2001 recession, average government wages slowly moved ahead of private sector pay once again, by .6 percent in 2002, .8 percent in 2003 and 1.5 percent in 2004, said Bob Uhlenkott, an analyst for the state Department of Labor.

Private-sector wages made a comeback during the period of economic growth around 2005, 2006 and 2007. But they started going downhill again in Idaho in 2008 and 2009, when the private sector lost high-paying construction and semiconductor industry jobs, said Uhlenkott.

“In the past couple of years that has really reversed,” he said. “You’re taking out some real high-quality jobs in the recent recession.”

Uhlenkott said in 2009 the average wage for Idaho’s 13,500 federal workers was just over $4,767 a month. For Idaho’s nearly 26,000 state workers it was $3,211 a month, and for the 74,000 local government workers, including 40,000 public school teachers, the monthly wage was about $2,612.

“You’re never going to get rich in government, either federal, state or local,” said Uhlenkott, who works for the state. “The private sector gives you the ability to really grow your wealth if you’re willing to take risks and you’re skilled and talented. However, you’re at more risk in a contraction and expansion.”

Of the 21 state workers who make more than the governor’s salary of $110,734, 20 work for Idaho’s public universities. The 21st is Robert Maynard, chief investment officer for the state’s public employee retirement system, who makes $192,483 annually.

By far the highest paid state employee is Chris Petersen, Boise State’s football coach, who made an annual salary of $915,636 as of Jan 4, according to the state controller’s office. The top three state earners all worked for Boise State’s athletic program.

The three university presidents - Bob Kustra of Boise State, Duane Nellis at U of Idaho, and Arthur Vailas of Idaho State - were the next three top earners. They all made around $330,000, the controller’s office said.

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