For Immediate Release: January 18, 1999 Contact: Senator Randy Phillips at (907) 465-4949.

Juneau -- The Alaska Legislature's Legislative Budget and Audit Committee Monday released the results of a contracted survey on State employees' compensation. The study, paid for by the committee, was conducted to determine whether the State of Alaska offers competitive wages and benefits in comparison with other Alaska employers and selected employers in the Northwest United States.

Overall, State employees enjoy a very competitive benefit and salary package. It is competitive and, in many job classes, the State of Alaska leads the market.

A summary of the study's conclusions follows.

Overall, State wages and benefits are extremely competitive with external markets

Combined wages and benefits for State employees are at the top of the market range based upon the market median* and above the high end of the market range based upon the market weighted average**

Analysis of private salary-only results using the market median shows a significant number of the 82 State benchmark jobs studied are above the market range:

• 30% (25 out of 82) are considered above the market range
• 68% (55 out of 82) are considered within the market range
• 2% (2 out of 82) are considered below the market range

Analysis of private salary-only results using the market weighted average shows a significant number of the 82 State benchmark jobs studied are above the market:

• 38% (31 out of 82) are considered above the market range
• 61% (50 out of 82) are considered within the market range
• 1% (1 out of 82) are considered below the market range

State contributions for health benefits are 31% higher than the average for other survey participants

Paid time-off benefits for state employees are approximately 48% higher than the average for all survey participants and 24% higher than the average of all public employers

A task force of union representatives and State workers chose which jobs were to be compared in the study

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