Employment growth in State Government accelerated in 1999 to 3.4 percent. There were an average of 63,437 jobs classified under State Government with an average wage of $36,424. The average wage increased by 3.1 percent. Thirty percent of State employment was in Denver County with an average wage of $41,530.

Just over half of all additional jobs classified under State ownership were classified in Educational Services. Educational Services employment increased from 31,374 to 32,432 in 1999. Colleges and Universities employment increased by 713 jobs to 25,155 with an average wage of $34,192. Junior colleges added 310 jobs to average 7,034. Elementary and secondary schools employment increased from 208 to 243.

Employment in Justice, Public Order and Safety grew at an even faster rate than the previous year at 8.6 percent, compared to 7.7 percent in 1998. Correctional Institutions employment recorded the largest gain with an additional 610 jobs to average 5,667. Courts employment increased by 172 jobs to 2,638. These increases occurred despite the trend toward privately owned Correctional Institutions.

Health Service employment increased by 220 jobs to 5,967. General, Medical & Surgical Hospitals employment accounted for almost all of the increase with an additional 213 jobs to average 4,058. Seventy-six percent of State Health Services Jobs were in Denver County.

Heavy Construction employment unexpectedly declined from 3,109 to 3,069. The average wage increased by 3.5 percent to $40,956.

Administration of Human Resource Programs employment was virtually unchanged in 1999 with a gain of 11 jobs to 4,843. Administration of Social & Manpower Programs employment declined by 12 jobs to 2,485. Administration of Public Health Programs employment increased by 18 jobs to 1,105.