Minnesota state government salary
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'Minnesota state government salaries are the compensation, salaries, and benefits that Minnesota's public employees receive from state and local government. Minnesota statute 471.701 requires that cities and counties with more than 15,000 people must reveal the base salaries of its three highest-paid employees either on a website, for 90 days in a publication, or as part of the annual notice of proposed property taxes.[1] This statute doesn't apply to school officials or doctors.[2]
The salary of Minnesota's chief justice ranks 20th among U.S. chief justices' salaries. The average salary earned by U.S. chief justices is $154,707. The median salary earned by U.S. chief justices is $151,284.
The salary of Minnesota's associate justices ranks 26th among U.S. associate justices' salaries. The average salary earned by U.S. associate justices is $149,687. The median salary earned by U.S. associate justices is $145,983. The St. Paul Pioneer Press has posted a database of over 54,000 state and local government salaries as part of its Data Planet page.
[edit] Elected officials' salaries
| Office | '10 Salary | Current Official |
|---|---|---|
| Governor | $120,303 | Mark Dayton |
| Lieutenant Governor | $78,197 | Yvonne Prettner Solon |
| Secretary of State | $90,227 | Mark Ritchie |
| Attorney General | $114,228 | Lori Swanson |
The salary of Minnesota's governor ranks 29th among U.S. governors' salaries. The average salary earned by U.S. governors is $128,735. The median salary earned by U.S. governors is $129,962.[4]
[edit] Legislators' salary
Minnesota state legislators make $31,140.90 per year.[5] Senators receive a per diem of $96 and Representatives receive $77 per legislative day.[5]
[edit] Judicial salaries
| Position | '09 Salary | Current Justice |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Justice | $160,579 | David Stras |
| Associate Justice | $145,981 | Alan Page |
| Associate Justice | $145,981 | Paul Anderson |
| Associate Justice | $145,981 | Helen Meyer |
| Associate Justice | $145,981 | G. Barry Anderson |
| Chief Justice | $145,981 | Lorie Skjerven Gildea |
| Associate Justice | $145,981 | Christopher Dietzen |
The salary of Michigan's associate justices ranks 27th among U.S. associate justices' salaries. The average salary earned by U.S. associate justices is $151,142. The median salary earned by U.S. associate justices is $145,984.[6]
[edit] State employee benefits
Employees of the state of Minnesota receive many benefits.
[edit] Insurance
Health Under a single plan design, the Advantage Plan, eligible employees and their dependents may choose among three health insurance carriers: Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, and Preferred One. The plan includes a first dollar-deductible, co-pay for all visits except preventive, prescription drug program, and clinic locations throughout the state and bordering communities.[7] The approximate monthly cost for full-time employees is $0 single and $130 for family.[8]
Dental Eligible employees and their dependents may choose between two dental carriers; HealthPartners and the State Dental Plan. Each plan provides comprehensive coverage for most conditions requiring dental diagnosis and treatment, including orthodontic treatment for children. Both plans also cover a broad range of preventive services.[7] The approximate monthly cost for full-time employees is $5 single and $30 for family.[8]
Life The state offers basic term life insurance based upon an employee's annual salary at no cost to insurance eligible employees, and to managers the life insurance offered is equal to 1.5 or 2 times annual salary.[7]
Additional Insurance Options Additional term life insurance is available to employees, spouses and eligible dependents at a minimal cost. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance provides coverage in the event of an accident. This optional benefit is available to both employees and spouses. Two optional disability plans are available: Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance provides you with income protection if you become disabled from a covered accident, sickness or pregnancy. Long term care insurance is also available.[7][9]
[edit] Retirement
State employees are automatically enrolled in a retirement plan through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS). The General Plan is the largest plan administered by the MSRS. As a member of this program, you receive a state contribution toward your retirement fund that matches your own contribution of approximately 4.75 percent of your salary.[9]
The Deferred Compensation Program is another way to save for retirement and defer taxes. With this program, a portion of your income is deposited in a tax-deferred account. A wide variety of investment options is available to help you meet your retirement objectives.[10]
[edit] Paid time off
Vacation Full-time permanent employees accrue 13 vacation days each year through the first five years of employment. As an employee's length of service with the state increases, so does the amount of vacation time accrued. Part-time employees receive vacation leave based on hours worked.[9]
Sick Full-time employees receive 13 days per year. Part-time employees receive sick leave based on hours worked.[9]
Holidays here are 10 paid holidays and one personal holiday each year.[9]
[edit] Other benefits
Pretax Accounts The following benefits allow employees to pay for certain expenses with money deducted before tax from their paycheck. If enrolled in a pre-tax account, employees are taxed less and take-home pay may be more.[7] Dependent Day Care Expense Account Medical/Dental Expense Account Transit Expense Account Medical premiums Dental premiums Payroll parking premiums
State Employees, Inc.(SEI) is a non-profit organization that offers State of Minnesota employee members entertainment and other valuable discounts. An SEI membership includes a membership in the Minnesota Employee Recreation and Services Council (MERSC). There are many discounts on various services, event tickets, recreation, restaurants, travel, and more.[11]
Minnesota Life offers three value-added benefits to employees at no cost.
'Will Preparation and Legal Services - Phone access to a national network of accredited attorneys for consultation on simple wills, estate planning documents, and other legal issues.[9]
Travel Assistance– Available 24/7 when traveling more than 100 miles from home for business or pleasure. Includes assistance to locate and access physicians, dentists, medical facilities, and pharmacies; arrange and pay for a medical evacuation or return of mortal remains; and provides interpreters.[12]
Beneficiary Financial Counseling – Beneficiaries who receive at least $25,000 in policy benefits may use an independent beneficiary counseling service through Pricewaterhouse Coopers. They offer advice and counsel with the beneficiary's written consent.[9]
[edit] State and local employees
According to 2008 Census data, the state of Minnesota and local governments in the state employed a total of 360,790 people.[13] Of those employees, 232,388 were full-time employees receiving a net pay of $1,043,514,803 per month and 128,402 were part-time employees paid $143,995,658 per month.[13] More than 54% of those employees, or 196,977 employees, were in education or higher education.[13]
[edit] Teacher Salaries
Teacher salaries are negotiated through collective bargaining. There is a Jan. 15 deadline for contract negotiations. [14]
| Beginning Teacher Salary | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| $32,315 | $51,938 |
According to the Minnesota Department of Education in the 2008-2009 school year the average teacher salary was $52,414. The average principal salary in state elementary schools was $93,711, however the average principal salary in state middle schools was $98,779. The average principal salary in state high schools was $90,411.[16]
| School year | Avg. teacher salary | Avg. principal salary (elem.) | Avg. principal salary (middle) | Avg. principal salary (high) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | $52,414[16] | $93,711[16] | $98,779[16] | $90,411[16] |
| 2007-08 | $50,345[17] | $90,743[17] | $96,023[17] | $88,511[17] |
| 2006-07 | $49,718[18] | $89,684.27[18] | $93,670.22[18] | $86,893.75[18] |
[edit] Additional reading
- Public employee salary
- See sample transparency legislation at the Sunshine Standard
[edit] External links
- Minnesota Salary Search Engine
- StarTribune Lists Salaries
- State Budget Solutions, Minnesota
- Pioneer Press State and Local Government Salaries
[edit] References
- ↑ Minnesota 2009 statutes, Statute 471.701
- ↑ Watchdog, Minnesota notifies citizens on top public pay, August 2, 2010
- ↑ The Council of States Governments The Book of States 2010 Table 4.11
- ↑ ‘‘The Council of State Governments,’’ “The Book of the States: 2008”
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 National Conference of State Legislators 2010 Legislator Compensation Data
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 The National Center for State Courts, "Judicial Salary Resource Center" as of Jan. 1, 2010
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 [1]
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Rates
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Benefits Explanation
- ↑ Deferred Compensation Plan
- ↑ Minnesota Employee Recreation and Services Council
- ↑ Travel Assistance
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 2008 Minnesota Public Employment U.S. Census Data
- ↑ Minn. Public Radio, Minn. GOP takes aim at teachers' bargaining power, March 8, 2011
- ↑ [2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00Z%20TO%202012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00Z
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Minnesota Department of Education,"2008-2009 Licensed Average Salary by District," July 27, 2009
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Minnesota Department of Education,"2007-2006 Licensed Average Salary by District," July 27, 2009
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Minnesota Department of Education,"2006-2007 Licensed Average Salary by District," November 16, 2007
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