Top earners overwhelmingly work in hospitals and universities in New York

In New York State, a recent payroll report revealed that a significant portion of the highest-paid public employees are affiliated with hospitals and major public universities. These findings, disclosed in October 2023, highlight that the state's payroll, which totals approximately $16.5 billion, heavily supports medical and educational institutions. The report shows a considerable concentration of these top earners on Long Island, indicating the region's critical role in the state's healthcare and educational framework. The data is drawn from a fiscal year payroll report made available through the state Comptroller's Office under the Freedom of Information Law. The report itemizes the highest salaries among state employees, with Robert J. Corona Jr. leading at $849,175 as the vice president for hospital affairs at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. Following him are Gary E. Bie and Carol Gomes, both associated with Stony Brook University Hospital, earning $791,525 and $755,732, respectively. This trend underscores the competitive nature of compensation structures in public-sector roles, as the state strives to attract and keep top talent amid ongoing workforce challenges. Another noteworthy aspect of this report is the economic impact attributed to institutions like Stony Brook University, which reportedly contributes around $3.43 billion in earnings annually to Long Island’s economy and supports over 55,000 jobs in Suffolk County. The persistence of high salary listings showcases the necessity of providing attractive remuneration to maintain a robust workforce in the public sector, particularly in fields under strain, such as healthcare and education. Moreover, the state has faced challenges in workforce levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant workforce reductions noted. The current budget process aims to address this shortage, recognizing that over 12,500 workers are needed to meet operational demands. Governor Kathy Hochul's administration has initiated measures to increase salary scales for employees in technical roles across various state agencies, reflecting a proactive stance in workforce rebuilding efforts. This approach illustrates the ongoing commitment from state officials to enhance workforce stability while maintaining high standards in public service sectors.