Private Versus Public Sector Wages in New Hampshire: It’s pretty clear that how you are paid depends on what you do!

New Hampshire state employees are paid less, on average, than private sector employees.  However, the average difference between state and private workers, excluding other non wage benefits like healthcare insurance and pension benefits, is small.  And depending on the type of work and level of experience, some state workers take home bigger paychecks than comparable private sector workers.

According to 2007 data (latest available) from the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security the average private sector worker made $21.31 per hour.  The average New Hampshire state worker made $19.70 in 2007.  The difference is $1.61, about eight percent. (Click image below for better resolution).

 

The average private worker in a management occupation in New Hampshire makes $47.78 per hour (not including benefits), compared to the comparable state management worker’s $33.64 per hour.  Those private workers in legal occupations bring in $35.95 per hour, compared to the state average $23.44.  Healthcare practitioners in private practice also fare better – they $32.57 per hour compared to the state average $26.37 per hour.

 But state community and social service workers make $20.78 per hour, twenty five percent more that the comparable private sector wage of $16.62 per hour. .  Education, Training, and Library Occupations within state government are also paid well - $27.43 per hour compared to $22.04 in the private sector.  State government Protective Service Occupations make $18.83 per hour, compared to $13.17 in the private sector.