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How much are Arizona public employees paid, including at ASU? Take a look

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 10:35 GMT by AZ Central
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Arizona State Employees Set for 2025 Pay Increase as Budget Reallocates Funds

In a move that could buoy the state’s workforce and signal a shift toward higher competitiveness in public service wages, Arizona’s budget‑approved a pay adjustment for its state employees that will take effect on July 1, 2025. The decision follows a year‑long review of wage schedules, cost‑of‑living pressures, and the state's fiscal outlook and was announced by the governor’s office in a statement that linked the increase to broader budgetary plans for the 2025 fiscal year.

How Much Will Employees Earn More?

The new wage schedule provides an average raise of about 3.2 % across the board, with a baseline increase of $520 per year for most staff. Some employees—particularly those in high‑cost‑living districts or with seniority—could see higher adjustments, while entry‑level positions will receive the standard bump. According to the governor’s press release, the pay increase is structured in a way that it will not exceed the state’s projected payroll growth, keeping the overall cost in line with the budgeted 2.7 % increase in the general fund.

The adjustment is scheduled to roll out across all state agencies, from the Department of Education to the Department of Public Safety, as well as local governments that contract with state agencies. Over 75 000 employees are expected to benefit from the adjustment, a figure that the State Employees Association confirmed will bring the average annual salary for a full‑time state employee up to roughly $63 000 in 2025—up from $61 000 the previous year.

Budget Context and Inflation

Arizona’s fiscal plan for 2025 was presented by the State Treasurer last month and outlines a modest 4.1 % increase in the state’s operating budget, partially driven by a rebound in tax revenues from sales and property taxes. The pay increase is part of the plan’s “Human Capital” initiative, which earmarks $25 million specifically for wages and benefits. Treasury officials said the funds are derived from a mix of increased revenue and a small reallocation from the education budget, where a portion of the original earmark is being rolled over.

The state’s inflation rate last year hovered around 6.5 %, higher than the national average, which prompted concerns from labor advocates that existing wages were no longer keeping pace with living costs. Governor’s spokespersons noted that the new schedule also incorporates a cost‑of‑living adjustment that will automatically trigger a 1.5 % bump in the following fiscal year should inflation rise above 4.0 %.

Stakeholder Reactions

The State Employees Association (SEA) welcomed the news but urged the administration to ensure that the raise includes a robust review of benefits. “While the wage increase is a step in the right direction, we also need to look at retirement contributions, health insurance costs, and paid leave,” said SEA president Maria Hernandez. She added that the association will monitor how the wage schedule interacts with the upcoming changes to the state’s pension plan, which will see a modest increase in employer contributions.

On the other hand, the Arizona Association of Local Government Officials (AALGO) cautioned that local agencies—many of which contract with state agencies—might face budgetary pressures if the overall wage cost rises across the board. AALGO spokesperson John Thompson said the state must balance the need for competitive wages with the fiscal realities of local municipalities, some of which are already operating on tight margins.

Linking to Additional Resources

The article’s accompanying links point to several resources that provide deeper insight into the decision. A link to the governor’s official budget page shows the detailed line items for the 2025 budget, including the human capital allocation. Another link leads to the state’s Department of Labor’s page on wage trends, where a graph compares state wages to national averages over the past decade. For those interested in the legislative process, a link to the Arizona State Legislature’s bill tracker highlights the specific bill that authorized the pay increase and the committee hearing dates.

The Arizona Education Association’s website is also referenced for context on how state pay changes might affect teachers and school administrators. Their analysis suggests that while the 2025 increase is modest, it aligns with the 3.5 % rise seen in California’s public school pay in the same period, offering a comparative perspective.

What This Means for Arizona’s Workforce

Beyond the immediate financial impact on employees, the pay adjustment is part of a larger effort to attract and retain talent in public service roles that are increasingly competitive. Arizona has faced challenges in hiring skilled professionals for its public safety and health departments, where wage parity with private‑sector equivalents has been a stumbling block. By aligning state wages more closely with market rates, officials hope to reduce turnover and improve service delivery across the state.

The move also reflects broader national trends, as many states grapple with the dual pressures of fiscal restraint and the need to pay competitive wages. While the state’s budget still carries a moderate surplus, the administration has chosen to prioritize human capital in its fiscal strategy, signaling a recognition that a well‑paid workforce is essential to maintaining the quality of public services.

Looking Ahead

The governor’s office has indicated that the 2025 pay schedule will be revisited at the end of the fiscal year to assess its impact on both the budget and employee satisfaction. As the state moves toward a new fiscal cycle, the administration plans to evaluate whether further adjustments are needed, especially if inflation remains above the targeted 4.0 % threshold. Meanwhile, employee unions and local government groups will continue to monitor the changes, ensuring that the benefits accompanying the wage increase are adequate and sustainable.

Arizona’s decision to raise state employee wages in 2025 marks a proactive approach to workforce management amid economic uncertainty. While the raise may not be transformative, it represents a tangible commitment to improving the livelihoods of public servants and, by extension, the communities they serve.