New York announces pay raises for more than 2,100 government employees to attract top talent

In an effort to bolster New York State’s workforce, Governor Kathy Hochul announced pay increases for approximately 2,100 apprenticeship employees across 46 state agencies. The wage adjustments, effective immediately, are aimed at improving the state’s ability to recruit and retain qualified workers by increasing wages in positions that serve as entry points to careers in public service.

Employees completing these internships, which provide hands-on training in areas such as human resources, healthcare program administration and business systems analysis, will receive a pay increase of 5.7% or 11.6% depending on their specific role. Under the new pay scale, those in Trainee 1 positions will see their salaries increase from $49,363 to $52,198, while Trainee 2 positions will increase from $52,198 to $58,247. Most of these positions are represented by the Public Employees Federation (PEF) and serve as entry-level careers in state government.

“Every New Yorker deserves a strong, stable and fair state government,” said Governor Hochul. “This pay increase will allow us to retain and attract our government employees and public servants so we can continue our mission of providing the highest quality support New Yorkers expect and deserve, now and in the future.”

The initiative builds on a number of measures that Governor Hochul has championed to support government workers. Earlier this year, the state expanded the NY HELPS program, which waives civil service test requirements for thousands of government jobs. The program has already facilitated more than 18,500 appointments. In addition, the state lifted its hiring freeze, opened Government Career Centers in partnership with the Department of Labor, and launched a marketing campaign to highlight career opportunities in state government.

Timothy R. Hogues, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Public Service, emphasized that these changes are part of an effort to align public sector capabilities with a competitive labor market. “New York State is increasing intern wages to attract and retain more candidates to help state agencies meet their hiring needs and provide valuable and needed services to the public,” Hogs said.

PEF President Wayne Spence and other state leaders expressed support for the move, seeing it as a critical step in addressing workforce shortages and strengthening public sector employment. “These wage increases are a good first step toward bringing public sector wages in line with private sector wages and retaining and recruiting quality government employees,” Spence said, adding that the union looks forward to continuing efforts to raise competitiveness and satisfaction of public sector jobs.

The pay increases are expected to benefit major government agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Health, the Department of Transportation and the Office of Mental Health, among others, affecting more than 280 intern positions.

Through initiatives like these, Hochul strives to not only strengthen New York’s workforce, but also ensure that government services remain reliable and accessible, improving accessibility and quality of life for government employees and the communities they serve.

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