Nearly every person hired to run state governmental agencies will make more than Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter – the man who hired them.
The executive directors of most state departments will make about $140,000 a year, compared with the governor’s $90,000.
“When you compare it to average salaries earned in Colorado, the governor earns a good salary,” said Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer, who will be paid $105,000.
The average salary of a Colorado worker was $40,280 in May 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s most recent statistics.
The average salary for all management occupations in Colorado was $89,050. For chief executives, the average was $146,690.
Ritter makes more than the state’s other top elected officials. Attorney General John Suthers is paid $80,000, while Treasurer Cary Kennedy and Secretary of State Mike Coffman each make $68,500.
State legislators make $30,000 a year.
Todd Saliman, director of the governor’s office of planning and budgeting, will make $150,000.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 33-954-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
STATE PAY FOR TOP OFFICIALS
Some of Gov. Bill Ritter’s appointees will make a larger salary than he does.
$90,000
Bill Ritter
Governor
$150,000
Todd Saliman
Director of the office of planning and budgeting
$140,000
Department heads;
Jim Carpenter, chief of staff
$125,000
Ken Weil
Deputy chief of staff for policy
Stephanie Villafuerte
Deputy chief of staff for outreach and administration
Trey Rogers
Chief counsel
Mary Kay Hogan
Legislative liaison
$105,000
Evan Dreyer
Spokesman
Source: Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration
