Report: Unelected officials take top salaries
The analysis says appointees and staff often out-earn elected officials, with some state payrolls led by unelected workers.
- A new Ballotpedia report reveals that unelected education officials often out-earn their elected government peers, with nine of the top 10 highest-paid state executives in 2025 holding appointed positions.
- New York Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa topped the list with a $489,000 salary, while Georgia Treasurer Steve McCoy earned $329,000 as the highest-paid elected official, demonstrating the substantial pay gap.
- Conversely, eight of the 10 lowest-paid officials were elected to their positions, including Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at $7,113, the lowest state executive salary.
- Ballotpedia staff writer Jackie Beran noted that taxpayers deserve transparency, stating voters should demand justification for high salaries when officials receive massive pay increases while private sector wages remain stagnant.
- While governors in 16 states received pay increases in 2025, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont opted for $0 salaries, and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill took a 17.7% pay cut.
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55 Articles
Report: Unelected officials take top salaries - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - Some of the highest-paid state executives across the country in 2025 were unelected education officials, according to a new report. Ballotpedia curated a report detailing the salaries of top-ranking state officials across the country in 2025. The list found that nine of the top 10 highest paid officials were appointed to their positions. The highest paid state official in 2025 was New York Commissioner of Education Betty Ro…
Report: Unelected officials take top salaries - The Daily Bo Snerdley
(The Center Square) – Some of the highest-paid state executives across the country in 2025 were unelected education officials, according to a new report. Ballotpedia curated a report detailing the salaries of top-ranking state officials across the country in 2025. The list found that nine of the top 10 highest paid officials were appointed to their positions. The highest paid state official in 2025 was New York Commissioner of Education Betty …
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Report: Unelected officials take top salaries
(The Center Square) – Some of the highest-paid state executives across the country in 2025 were unelected education officials, according to a new report.
Report: Unelected government officials take top salaries
Ballotpedia curated a report detailing the salaries of top-ranking state officials across the country in 2025. The list found that nine of the top 10 highest paid officials were appointed to their positions.
Unelected education leaders dominate list of highest-paid state officials in 2025, report says
(The Center Square) – Some of the highest-paid state executives across the country in 2025 were unelected education officials, according to a new report. Ballotpedia curated a report detailing the salaries of top-ranking state officials across the country in 2025. The list found that nine of the top 10 highest paid officials were appointed to their […]
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