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Strengthening Public Pensions Through Data
I'm excited to share how two of our flagship research initiatives—the NCPERS Public Retirement Systems Study and our Public Pension Compensation Survey—provide the critical insights that pension systems need to stay current in an evolving and uncertain landscape.
By: Matt Eckel, Associate Director of Research, NCPERSAs Associate Director of Research at NCPERS, I have the privilege of working at the intersection of research and advocacy for public employee retirement systems across the nation. I see firsthand how data and insights can transform the way pension systems operate, make decisions, and serve their members. Today, I'm excited to share how two of our flagship research initiatives—the NCPERS Public Retirement Systems Study and our Public Pension Compensation Survey—provide the critical insights that pension systems need to stay current in an evolving and uncertain landscape.
The Public Retirement Systems Study, which NCPERS has conducted annually since 2011, is a crucial resource for understanding the fiscal health, operational practices, and strategic priorities of public pension systems nationwide. Meanwhile, our Compensation Survey delivers the granular workforce data that systems need to attract, retain, and fairly compensate the talented professionals who manage nearly $6 trillion in retirement assets on behalf of public servants.
Together, these studies form a comprehensive knowledge base that empowers pension leaders to make informed decisions backed by peer data and industry trends. In an era where every basis point matters and governance scrutiny is intense, having access to reliable benchmarking data isn't just helpful—it's essential.
The Power of Peer Comparison
Our recently released Compensation Survey results have already sparked important conversations among pension executives and trustees. The data reveals not just what systems are paying their staff, but how compensation structures vary by system size, geographic region, and governance model. For pension boards wrestling with succession planning, working to fill specialized positions in areas like alternative investments or cybersecurity, and looking to benchmark their compensation practices against peer institutions, this information is invaluable.
What makes our Compensation Survey particularly powerful is its granularity. We don't just report averages; we provide detailed breakdowns by position level, years of experience, and system characteristics. This enables pension systems to craft compensation packages that are both fiscally responsible and competitive enough to attract top-tier talent.
In addition to the comprehensive study report, participating plans have complimentary access to a detailed results dashboard, which allows them to generate custom analyses and get the most out of the data. NCPERS members who do not participate get half-price access to both products.
Your Voice Matters: Public Retirement Systems Study Now in the Field
I'm pleased to announce that our 2026 Public Retirement Systems Study is currently in the field and accepting responses. This year's study builds on a 14-year tradition of tracking industry trends while incorporating new questions that address emerging challenges like artificial intelligence integration and the role of ESG in contemporary pension investing.
The value of the Public Retirement Systems Study grows with every participating system. Last year, we achieved a record 201 responses, allowing us to provide unprecedented insights into funding trends, asset allocation strategies, and governance practices. The interactive dashboard available exclusively to NCPERS members has become an essential tool for peer benchmarking and strategic planning.
If your organization hasn't yet participated in this year's study, I strongly encourage you to reach out to me at research@ncpers.org. The survey is designed to be completed in under an hour, and the insights you'll gain from the final report and member dashboard will prove invaluable throughout the year. Whether you're preparing for advocacy efforts, evaluating investment approaches, or simply wanting to understand how your system compares to peers, the Public Retirement Systems Study provides the information and insights you need.
Looking Ahead
As public pension systems navigate an increasingly complex environment—from market volatility to a changing policy environment to demographic shifts to technological transformation—the need for robust, reliable data has never been greater. Through our research initiatives, NCPERS remains committed to arming pension professionals with the intelligence they need to make confident, informed decisions.
The deadline for Public Retirement Systems Study participation is approaching quickly. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute your system's experience to this collective knowledge base while gaining access to insights that will inform your strategic planning.
Please contact research@ncpers.org today to ensure your voice is heard and your system is represented in this critical industry research.
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