(AP) -- AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The pay gap between Texas state troopers and managers in the Department of Public Safety is growing, despite a decade of calls by the state auditor to increase officers' salaries.
The Austin American-Statesman reports Sunday the more than 3,500 officers who work for the state have seen little increase in their base pay.
Meanwhile, more than 79 managers in the department earn $100,000 a year or more, up from about 12 in 2009.
The mid-range pay for a state trooper is just over $61,790 annually, compared to a median salary of just over $74,700 for an Austin city police officer.
State troopers' salaries are capped at that level after 20 years of service. Veteran city officers can exceed $95,000 a year.
The state Legislature determines the salaries of state troopers.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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