The total for 2025/26 is up from 53 employees included in last year’s figures, although much of the increase follows a national pay award which pushed some salaries above the £50,000 reporting threshold for the first time.
The threshold itself has remained at £50,000 despite increases in salaries and inflation.
The latest figures only cover permanent employees, meaning two of the authority’s three key statutory officers – the monitoring officer and chief finance officer – are not included.
Both positions were held on an interim basis for much of the financial year and were among TVCA’s highest-paid roles.
Chief executive Tom Bryant remains the authority’s highest-paid permanent officer, with a salary of £165,120 – up from £160,000 in the previous year’s figures.
Other senior positions, including the director of business solutions, also carry six-figure salaries.
A 3.2 per cent pay award in 2025 resulted in more employees at grade O, as well as some at grade N, moving above the £50,000 threshold at which salaries are published.
Pay for staff covered by National Joint Council (NJC) arrangements could rise again following the outcome of the 2026 pay negotiations, which have yet to be agreed.
Any increase would be backdated to the beginning of the current financial year.
The authority’s most senior roles, including the chief executive and some directors, are not covered by the same NJC arrangements, with their pay determined separately.
Among the roles appearing in the £50,000-plus figures are several connected to TVCA’s net zero work.
The head of net zero earns between £65,000 and £67,000 a year, while four net zero-related posts now have salaries above £50,000. Last year, two such roles reached the threshold.
TVCA said its responsibilities had grown as further powers and funding were devolved to mayoral combined authorities.
A spokesperson said: “The TVCA has responsibility for billions of pounds to drive investment, jobs and better infrastructure across our region. The authority requires talented staff and leaders to help it reach our goals, improve and deliver for the people of the Tees Valley.
“As devolution deepens, and more powers and responsibilities are handed to mayoral authorities, it’s vital we have the right people in place and a strong senior team in post to ensure we deliver for the region.
“Salaries remain in-line with peer authorities and industry standards.”
