MGEC Compensation Survey – MGEC, in cooperation with the State of Minnesota, recently completed a total compensation survey. Total compensation was divided into five categories: 1) Direct Compensation (i.e. wages), 2) Indirect Compensation, 3) Vacation/Sick/Holiday (i.e. paid time off), 4) Retirement Benefits and 5) Insurance Benefits. The survey included each of the engineer classifications, the engineering specialist classifications, and the surveyor classifications. The parties worked hand in hand from square one developing the survey, determining whom to survey, implementing it and summarizing the responses. The full summary will be posted shortly on the MGEC website. Meanwhile, a brief overview of wage comparisons follows.
The survey sample consisted of 92 employers. 63 public sectors employers were surveyed (city, county, state, national) with 28% responding. 29 private sector employers were surveyed with approximately 34% responding. The private sector employers were selected from a list of consulting firms who have had the largest number of contracts with the State in agencies that have staff in the engineering field represented by MGEC.
Whose work is most similar to that of state employees? The answer to this question is that a comparison to private sector employees might be the most relevant comparison group for state employees. Outsourcing work amounts to something in the range of 40% to 50% of these types of work government is expected to accomplish. Hopefully, during these economic times, the governor, legislators, the public and the private sector will seek to look for or provide the best value.
At the same time, where do state employees go to work when they leave state employment? Often they take jobs in the same field in both the private sector or with other Minnesota public sector employers. The answer to this question might imply that a comparison to all survey respondents is the most relevant.
What do you think and why? Take a few moments to tell MGEC your thoughts. More importantly, contact your elected representatives and the administration, starting with your agency, and tell them you expect the greatest value for every dollar spent by the state.
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2008 Wage Survey |
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How do your wages compare to others? The survey was cooperatively conducted by MGEC and the State of Minnesota. The purpose of the study was to compare total compensation between MN state employees and other employees who do similar work. Public sector employers were from cities and counties in MN and two others states (WI & ND). Private sector employers were from those larger consulting firms that the state has had the most engineering contracts with. Therefore it makes sense to compare MGEC and private sector employers. This information only speaks to wages. More information on total compensation is available on the MGEC website at www.mgec.org |
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Red indicates areas where MN wages are low compared to others |
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How do wages for State employees compare to others? |
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Negative number reflects MN State underpaying. Positive number reflects MN State overpaying |
Public & Private Sector % Difference in Max Wage |
Public Sector % Difference in Max Wage |
Private Sector % Difference in Max Wage |
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Engineer Trainee |
-1% |
-7% |
-3% |
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Engineer Grad 2 |
-15% |
-13% |
-12% |
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Engineer Senior |
-20% |
-9% |
-19% |
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Engineer Principal |
-21% |
-4% |
-35% |
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Engineer Administrative |
-45% |
-8% |
-72% |
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Engineering Specialist |
14% |
20% |
-9% |
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Engineering Specialist Senior |
4% |
12% |
-38% |
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Radio Engineer 1 |
5% |
5% |
NA |
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Radio Engineers 2 |
1% |
1% |
NA |
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Land Surveyor Trainee |
5% |
10% |
-1% |
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Land Surveyor Senior |
3% |
9% |
-27% |
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Land Surveyor Principal |
5% |
14% |
-7% |
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Land Surveyor Administrative |
4% |
5% |
-1% |
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Average difference per sector |
-5% |
3% |
-20% |
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On average it would cost 20% more to layoff state employees and contract out more work. |