Bonus Approved for Virginia State Employees

May 7, 2025 – Virginia Governmental Employee Association (VGEA)

State Budget Signed: 3% Raise and 1.5% Bonus Approved for Virginia State Employees

Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed the amended state budget, finalizing compensation updates that will impact thousands of public employees across the Commonwealth. The budget includes two major wins for Virginia’s state workforce:

3% Base Salary Increase

Classified state employees will receive a 3% raise, effective June 10, 2025. This raise was previously approved and is now confirmed under the amended budget.

1.5% One-Time Bonus

Eligible employees will also receive a 1.5% one-time bonus, scheduled for June 16, 2025. The bonus will be calculated based on an employee’s annual base salary as of May 25, 2025.

Who’s Eligible for the Bonus?

To qualify, employees must:

Have been employed on or before February 25, 2025
Remain employed through May 25, 2025
Hold a performance rating of at least “Contributor”
Have no active written notices under the Standards of Conduct within the previous 12 months

These updates are part of a broader, bipartisan budget agreement that also includes increased funding for education, public safety, and economic development.

VGEA’s Role

Our mission remains constant: to ensure that compensation, benefits, and working conditions for Virginia’s active and retired state workers are prioritized.

We work year-round to track budget amendments, monitor legislation, and stay in regular communication with government officials because we know how much these decisions affect you.

Why This Update Matters

In times of economic fluctuation, compensation updates like these are hard-won and closely watched. They reflect not only the value of public service but also the importance of staying connected to the conversations that shape your future.

For more information:

Want full access to legislative insights, advocacy updates, and compensation alerts? Join the VGEA today.

Questions? Contact us at info@vgea.org or vgea.org/contact. About the VGEA The Virginia Governmental Employees Association is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of Virginia’s state employees and retirees. Our mission is to ensure fair treatment, proper compensation, and a supportive working environment for all who serve the Commonwealth.

Working to Keep Virginia Working

VGEA is the only statewide organization for the broad range of Commonwealth employees.

While there are more than 160,000 of us working in a vast array of professions and jobs, we unite in a desire to be recognized for our dedication to making Virginia a great state.

In short, The Commonwealth of Virginia works because we do!

Whether it’s increasing salaries, improving work conditions or any of the many other employee issues, VGEA is here to help address them all. A strong association with representative members is recognized and invited to decision-making tables in state government. We strive to be relevant, from the 21-year-old new employee to the 100-year-old retiree.

Every employee benefits from the experience and dedication VGEA brings. VGEA matters because you matter!

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