Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson told the media on Thursday that the pay rise “smacks of being completely out of touch with where the public are”.
“We are more than adequately paid,” Tennyson said, adding that he sees no “coherent” argument for the rise.
The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Jon Burrows, said “our nurses need their pay rise before our politicians”.
He added that, while he respects the independence of the remuneration board, he feels there is a sense of “unease” around MLAs’ value for money.
“We haven’t set a multi-year budget, we haven’t got a budget of any sort, and people think that Stormont is under-performing.”
Alan Lowry, chair of the board, said the 27% rise was a “corrective measure” after years of no substantial rises – but future increases would be expected to “reflect inflationary and other pay trends”.
“MLAs carry out a wide range of important duties, from representing constituents and scrutinising legislation to holding ministers and departments to account,” he said.
He said it was “right that their remuneration recognises the complexity and importance of those responsibilities, while ensuring that financial considerations do not discourage people from seeking elected office”.
He added: “As we look ahead to the assembly election next year and the start of a new mandate, it is important that we put in place a structured and transparent mechanism that links MLA pay to changes in earnings in Northern Ireland.
“This approach ensures that pay remains aligned with wider developments in society, while providing certainty and maintaining public confidence in the process.”