Salary and Turnover Survey of Community Based Mental Health Agencies in New York State for FY2000 Summary: A survey of salaries and turnover in community-based mental health agencies

A survey of salaries and turnover in community-based mental health agencies in New York State shows high turnover and poor retention among direct-care staff. The survey further compares salaries and turnover in agencies that employ union workers and those that employ non-union workers, as union workers are typically able to negotiate wage increases or Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) with some regularity. The survey demonstrates that union agencies pay higher salaries while having lower turnover and greater retention of experienced staff than their non-union counterparts. Lower turnover translates into better care, as service recipients experience fewer disruptions in the continuity of care.