(a) As used in this article, the term "salary" means:

(1) For superior court judges, the salaries from state funds provided by law for judges of the superior courts on the date the member begins receiving a retirement benefit;

(2) For district attorneys, the salaries from state funds provided by law for district attorneys on the date the member begins receiving a retirement benefit;

(3) For judges and solicitors-general of state courts, the average annual compensation received as such judge or solicitor-general; provided, however, that for members who become members after July 1, 1998, such amount shall not exceed the salary from state funds provided by law for superior court judges; and

(4) For juvenile court judges, the average annual compensation received as such juvenile judge; provided, however, that for members who become members after July 1, 1998, such amount shall not exceed the salary from state funds provided by law for superior court judges.

(b) The monthly employee contributions made by the employer on behalf of the member under Code Sections 47-23-80, 47-23-81, and 47-23-82 shall be used in the computation of the member's salary for the computation of the member's retirement benefits.