Indiana has struggled to keep and hire state government employees over the last two years.

The state recently adjusted pay scales and gave everyone a 5 percent cost of living increase to fight that constant churn.

Since those November changes, salary data show many state employees saw their yearly salaries increase by $10,000 or more.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb says he plans to ask lawmakers for another increase in the 2023 budget to ensure salaries remain attractive.

"We'll never be able to match the private sector. But what the private sector sometimes can't match for employees is the passion for what they do," Holcomb said. "We're trying to associate a good wage with the passion that they have for public service.”

Since October, the state has added about 700 new employees, which puts state staffing totals at a peak level not seen since late 2021.