When calculating your high-five average salary, we use the highest five years rather than a calendar of fiscal year salary. For example, your high-five average salary could start on March 1 and run through February. It is important to note that the five years do not have to be consecutive. However, each year of your high-five needs to have the same start and end date. Your employer reports your salary along with your retirement deductions each pay period to MSRS. This allows us to accurately calculate your high-five average salary.

We do not take retirement deductions on unused sick or vacation leave paid in a lump sum after you end your employment. These unused hours are not included in your high-five average salary; however, we do include sick and vacation leave you use before you end your employment in your high-five average salary.

For example

A high-five average salary, not consecutive, calculation with a start date of March 1 and run through February, to determine your average monthly salary.