The Massachusetts state payroll continued its upward trend in 2025, reaching a total of $9.19 billion, according to data released bi-weekly by the state comptroller’s office.

Although the figure marks a slight decrease from last year’s $10.26 billion , the University of Massachusetts (UMass) system once again dominated the rankings, with all of the top 15 highest-paid state employees hailing from the university.

As of Nov. 10, UMass Men’s Basketball Head Coach Francisco (Frank) Martin held onto the title of the highest-paid state employee for the third consecutive year, with a salary of $1,955,216.

UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins ranked second, earning $1,200,112, while UMass Head Football Coach Joseph Harasymiak came in third with a salary of $1,177,282.

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