CHICAGO (July 29, 2025) – Illinois state workers are making more and getting raises faster than private-sector workers; a trend exacerbated by state workers represented by AFSCME Council 31 getting another automatic raise July 1.

An original analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute found state workers are now taking home an average salary of $85,689. That’s $7,422, or 9.5%, more than the average private sector worker in Illinois earning $78,267.

In total, Illinois public sector pay has grown 57% faster than the private sector between 2021 and 2024.

“Automatic, taxpayer-funded raises are unfair at a time when those taxpayers are getting laid off or having their paychecks slashed,” said Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. “No matter what happens in the economy, Illinois government workers still keep getting raises – faster than anyone else – mostly paid for by everyday workers who may be struggling.”

Between 2023 and 2026, these AFSCME raises are expected to outpace private sector raises by 51%. That’s because AFSCME workers receive automatic pay raises every year that compound to a 19.28% pay hike by the end of the contract.

The largest net job growth in 2024 across the state was in government, indicating that many private sector businesses and workers are struggling.

To read more about Illinois state worker pay, visit illin.is/payraise.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.