So recently our governor approved a pay raise for my field (state government based), and his reasoning was that retention is super low, and he wants to compete with surrounding states. I went from $32500 to $36400. Not too bad but I still feel it’s not quite enough, especially if he wants to compete. Surrounding states ENTRY level positions start at $10k+ higher then my pay after the raise. One state is almost $20k higher. Why should I stay here if I can move somewhere cheaper, work the same job, and make so much more? Trust me, I’ve already started the process. It’s just frustrating that they clearly have the means to make things better but they just don’t.