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Despite so-called hiring freezes in state government over the last year, overall employment has increased by nearly 1,800 full time equivalent (FTE) positions. (1,775.8 to be exact).
The numbers show that state employment grew from 102,042 FTE in 2001 to 103,818 in 2002. This upward trend is continuing in 2003. During the same time, the private sector lost 96,000 jobs.
Comparing employment trends in 2003 with the same time frame in 2002 shows FTEs are up by 468 over last year. State employment has grown steadily since 1997; the year Gary Locke became governor.
| Year |
Avg. Compensation |
Total* FTEs |
FTE Increase |
FTE% Increase |
| 1997 |
$46,303 |
93,608 |
1,849 |
2.0% |
| 1998 |
$47,973 |
95,028 |
1,420 |
1.5% |
| 1999 |
$48,708 |
97,906 |
2,878 |
3.0% |
| 2000 |
$50,961 |
99,929 |
2,022 |
2.1% |
| 2001 |
$53,436 |
102,042 |
2,113 |
2.1% |
| 2002 |
$55,311 |
103,818 |
1,775 |
1.7% |
Source: Office of Financial Management. *Includes salary and benefits.. |
