The commissioner shall receive a compensation to be fixed by law. He is hereby authorized to employ a clerk and stenographer and an actuary at a salary to be fixed by law; and in addition shall be allowed a sufficient sum for traveling expenses and for extra clerical help. To assist the commissioner in efficiently performing the official duties imposed upon him by law, he may employ suitable and competent persons who possess the professional skill and/or expert knowledge needed to fulfill these duties. The State Personnel Board, based upon its findings of fact, shall exempt these persons from the provisions of Section 25-3-39 when the acquisition of such professional services is precluded based on the prevailing wage in the relevant labor market, provided such compensation shall not, directly or indirectly, be in excess of the salary authorized to be paid to the deputy commissioner.