Institute on ABC Southern Illinois: State Barbers Make Big Bucks
A new study released by the Illinois Policy Institute shows how much money you make doesn't depend on what you do for a living--it depends on who you work for.
A new study released by the Illinois Policy Institute shows how much money you make doesn’t depend on what you do for a living–it depends on who you work for.
For example, the average janitor in Illinois makes about $26,000 a year, but if that same janitor was employed by the state, he would be making closer to $42,000, according to the government watchdog group.
The average welder makes $36,000 a year, while those working for the state make $62,000. State employed barbers bringing in almost 140% more than their privately sector counterparts.
Brent Pyle of Brent’s Barber Shop in Herrin has been cutting hair for two years. He says it takes a lot of work to scrape up about $27,000 a year in his business — $39,000 less than state employed barbers.
“An average work week takes 40 hours in just an average work week just to make the $27,000 that you’re talking about, so if they’re making $60,000 you can imagine, I’d have to at least almost triple my hours just to do that,” Pyle said.
According to the Illinois Policy Institute–as of 2008, there were 24 state-employed barbers that made about $66,000 each–accounting for $1.5 million a year in taxpayer money.
Kristina Rasmussen of the Institute says there’s no reason for such a large pay gap between state and private barbers.
“Traditionally the thought has been you offer lower pay in exchange for very generous benefits and job security–there’s really no good reason to be offering very generous pay, very generous benefits, and great job security,” Rasmussen said.
The contrast in cash isn’t only unfair to private barbers, says Rasmussen, it’s also unfair to the taxpayers.
“When you’re paying someone beyond what the private market offers for a certain job, that’s money that can’t be used to repair a bridge or expand another program,” Rasmussen said.
Pyle views the higher wage this way: “If the state was rolling in the dough then fine, make that kind of money take it home, but if they’re not everybody needs to understand that to get back on track you’re going to have to take some cuts.”
State barbers are employed through the department of corrections, health services, and veterans’ affairs.
Rasmussen says public employee unions for years have worked to increase wages – the same employee unions that contribute to the campaign of lawmakers who are responsible for appropriating the money.