Fulltime state and local government employees in Maryland were paid an average of $40,234 in 2000, ranking 10th in the nation. Mississippi employees ranked last with average earnings of $26,838.

Average annual earnings

of fulltime employees

State....in state and local government....Rank

California...........$47,125.........................1

New Jersey.........$45,977.........................2

New York......... $45,391.........................3

Connecticut........$44,529.........................4

Alaska...............$44,014.........................5

Nevada..............$42,243.........................6

Rhode Island......$41,780.........................7

Washington........$41,580.........................8

Massachusetts....$40,538.........................9

Maryland............$40,234.........................10

SOURCE: Morgan Quitno Press using data from U.S. Census Bureau

Sun Staff