Almost Two Million Dollars to Put Up Signs

by Mark Cavers

In 2008, the State of Illinois employed 38 individuals to help with the production and placement of signs across the Illinois highway system.  These employees, ranging from sign makers, to hangers to supervisors, were paid a combined total of $1,822,653.47 in wages.  The highest paid employee, a supervisor in a sign shop, made $93,700 in 2008.  The sign hangers at the Department of Transportation are responsible for “the erection and maintenance of traffic control signs on the state highway system.”

You can find this information by going to IllinoisOpenGov.org, clicking on “Payroll” and searching for “Sign Maker/Hanger,” Sign Hanger,” “Sign Hanger Foreman,” “Sign Shop Supervisor,” and “Sign Shop Manager.”