A report issued late Friday shows the state government’s payroll has shrunk since Terry Branstad became governor.

Branstad took office in January of 2011 and the Legislative Services Agency analysis covers the first 18 months of his governorship. The report shows state payroll expenses were down nearly five percent compared to when Chet Culver left the governor’s office.

More than 900 employees left state government during Branstad’s first 18 months in office. Some were replaced. Some were temporary or part-time employees. At the state of August, the total number of full-time positions in state executive branch agencies had shrunk by 641.

The average salary for a state worker who is not a supervisor is $51,700.

The payroll and staffing at the three state universities in Ames, Cedar Falls and Iowa City are not included in this analysis. The University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa operate a separate payroll system.