FY 2026 County Workforce Compensation and Benefit Trends

What does it really cost to employ a public sector workforce – and how do these costs change year to year?

Behind every county budget are critical decisions about salaries, health benefits, and pensions that are essential for effective workforce and fiscal planning.

Every year, Human Resources Officers across each jurisdiction provide valuable insights into the core components of public sector employment.  The FY 2026 County Employee Salaries, Health Benefits, and Pensions Report offers a comprehensive analysis of compensation trends for 149 positions, along with a detailed overview of current benefit packages.

As counties continue to operate within defined fiscal constraints while addressing workforce competitiveness, transparency, and equity, access to compensation data is increasingly critical. This report serves as a key benchmarking tool, enabling jurisdictions to evaluate compensation levels and assess benefit trends.

By leveraging the insights contained in this report, county leaders and policymakers can align workforce investments with organizational priorities, labor market conditions, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Below are the links to the complete survey and the component reports:

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Frock, MACo Research Coordinator.