State government payroll and benefit costs in fiscal 2021 rose slightly compared with the year before, but the number of employees declined again. Under Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the number of state employees has dropped in recent fiscal years, while costs continued to rise. Significant drops or increases in numbers in the past were tied to administrative changes (see notes below). Fiscal years begin July 1, so light-colored bars in the graphics indicate the fiscal year in which the governor's office changed hands. Hover or click on the line to see exact figures for a fiscal year
Government payroll chart here.
Number of employees
Figures in millions of dollars.