Ohio Transit Worker Earns Over $200,000 in Overtime, Second Only to CEO

A vehicle maintenance worker at the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) earned close to $230,000 in overtime pay in 2025, bringing his total compensation to $352,904. This amount significantly surpassed his base salary of approximately $66,000.

White's substantial overtime earnings are attributed to his dedicated work ethic and COTA's union contract, which permits employees to volunteer for overtime shifts and swap with colleagues. The maintenance shops operate 24/7, and persistent understaffing ensures ample opportunities for overtime.

"Our members earn every penny they make," stated Bobby Berryhill, financial secretary for the Transport Workers Union of America Local 208. He described White as working every day without taking sick days, vacation, or personal leave, and receiving annual payouts for accrued unused time.

White is not alone in benefiting from COTA's overtime system. Six other vehicle maintenance workers were among COTA's top 25 highest earners in 2025, each making tens of thousands of dollars in overtime. However, the highest compensation went to CEO Monica Téllez-Fowler, with earnings nearing $500,000.

The situation has sparked online discussion, with some commending White's dedication and others criticizing the system that enables such overtime and pointing to understaffing. COTA indicated that training new technicians requires pulling experienced staff from their duties, potentially increasing overtime needs.