Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently unveiled a major overhaul to Arkansas’ state employee pay plan. The new plan is designed to streamline job classifications, raise salaries to align with private sector standards, and address chronic staffing shortages in critical areas. This sweeping reform seeks to enhance employee retention, attract skilled candidates, and ultimately, modernize Arkansas’ public service workforce.
A Transformative Approach to State Compensation
The overhaul, as described by Governor Sanders, is a “transformational reform” that aims to revamp Arkansas’ state pay structure to “reward hard work and encourage Arkansans to apply to our most hard-to-fill positions.” Sanders expressed her commitment to working with the legislature to ensure this plan’s passage, signaling a new era for state employees. Leslie Fisken, Secretary of Transformation and Shared Services, echoed the Governor’s enthusiasm, encouraging potential employees to consider careers with Arkansas state agencies by applying through arcareers.arkansas.gov.
John Bridges, Executive Director of the Arkansas State Employees Association, further praised the effort, noting that the updated pay structure “recognizes and retains our great state employees” while also attracting skilled candidates to fill gaps in high-demand roles.
Significant Pay Increases Across Key Sectors
Under the new plan, 14,539 state employees—about two-thirds of the workforce in cabinet agencies—will see pay raises. The increases are focused on aligning state salaries with the private sector, particularly in fields with critical staffing shortages:
- Correctional Officers: Average entry-level salaries will rise by 35.3%, from $37,589 to $50,845, with overall average salaries increasing by 17.1%, from $50,461 to $59,100.
- Social Services: Entry-level salaries in this sector will increase by 20.5%, from $44,172 to $52,442, with average pay growing by 15.3%, from $48,733 to $55,364.
- State Police: Average entry-level pay will grow by 19.8%, from $56,498 to $67,706, and average salaries will increase by 10.4%, from $73,318 to $80,930.
- Nursing: Nurses will see an 8.3% increase in average entry-level salaries, from $51,032 to $54,661, while the overall average salary in this field will rise by 9.6%, from $57,686 to $61,552.
These targeted adjustments are expected to make Arkansas’ workforce competitive and help retain employees who might otherwise seek opportunities in the private sector. The Arkansas State Police Foundation expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support in raising trooper salaries, emphasizing that competitive pay is essential for maintaining morale and ensuring public safety.
Streamlining Job Classifications and Introducing Skills-Based Career Tracks
The pay overhaul consolidates approximately 2,200 job titles into a more manageable 800 classifications, aligning them with equivalent roles in the private sector. This consolidation simplifies the state’s classification system and allows for smoother operations and clearer career paths for employees.
Moreover, the overhaul introduces a skills-based approach to career advancement, moving away from strictly degree-based requirements. This change encourages state employees to pursue training and certifications to expand their skills, potentially leading to faster career progression within state agencies.
To further support employees, the plan establishes six pay tables focused on specific roles, such as law enforcement, medical, information technology, general services, professional, and executive. This adjustment enables the state to better address hiring challenges in each category.
A Balanced Budget and Broader Goals
Governor Sanders has emphasized that the plan will be part of her upcoming balanced budget, set for presentation later this month. The cost of the overhaul is projected at $102 million, with nearly $60 million coming from General Revenue and the remainder from other funding sources. Much of the funding will come from existing salary savings and currently vacant positions, minimizing the financial impact.
The initiative is a component of the Governor’s larger Arkansas Forward plan, which prioritizes efficiency in state government while aiming to improve public service. If approved, the pay plan would take effect in July 2025.
A Collaborative Effort with Broad Support
The updated pay structure was developed following recommendations from McKinsey, a consulting firm, which provided initial insights over the summer. Using McKinsey’s guidance, the state’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) analyzed labor market data, creating new job titles and setting salary rates to reflect competitive private-sector wages.
The plan has received support from multiple stakeholders, including the Arkansas State Employees Association and the Arkansas State Police Foundation, underscoring the program’s alignment with the needs of various state departments.
Arkansas Moves Forward
This pay plan overhaul represents a significant step in modernizing Arkansas’ public workforce and ensuring state employees are valued and compensated fairly. Governor Sanders and other state leaders aim to establish a more appealing, sustainable environment that supports dedicated employees and attracts top talent to Arkansas’ public sector. With its strategic emphasis on fair pay, career growth, and operational efficiency, the plan promises a renewed approach to state government, benefiting Arkansas employees and residents alike.
