Federal Politicians Pay and Compensation
The base salary for members of the U.S. Congress is $174,000, a figure set by the 2009 Ethics Reform Act and adjusted only when a standalone pay raise bill passes and is not vetoed. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders earn $223,500, while the President of the United States receives $400,000 annually plus a $50,000 taxable expense account. The Vice President earns $235,100, and the Second Gentleman receives the same salary with a $10,000 expense allowance. Congressional pay is governed by the 27th Amendment, which prevents any salary change from taking effect until after the next election. For detailed legislative branch compensation rules, see the official Senate salary documentation.
Federal politicians pay also includes a comprehensive benefits package. Members of Congress are eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, with the government paying about 72% of premiums. They accrue retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a defined benefit pension, Social Security coverage, and a Thrift Savings Plan with a government match of up to 5% of basic pay. Members are also entitled to a generous annual leave accrual rate, with 20 days of paid leave per year after 20 years of service. The Office of Personnel Management administers these benefits, and the exact pension formula is detailed on the OPM FERS page.
State and Local Politicians Pay
State legislator salaries vary dramatically, from $0 in states like New Hampshire and Texas to $103,000 in California and $95,000 in New York. The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks these figures, showing a median annual salary of about $30,000 for full-time legislators. Many states also provide per diem payments, ranging from a flat $100 daily in some states to $300 or more in others, to cover living expenses during sessions. Some local politicians, such as city council members in major metropolitan areas, earn six-figure salaries, while others in smaller towns serve part-time for a few hundred dollars per meeting. The NCSL salary database provides a complete state-by-state breakdown.
Highest and Lowest Paid State Offices
The highest-paid state politician is typically the governor, with salaries ranging from $70,000 in states like Maine to over $200,000 in New York and California. Lieutenant governors and state cabinet secretaries often earn between $80,000 and $150,000 depending on the state. At the local level, big-city mayors in places like New York and Los Angeles earn over $200,000, while many small-town mayors earn less than $10,000 annually. Some municipal offices are entirely unpaid, particularly in towns with populations under 5,000, where service is considered a civic duty rather than a career. Compensation structures are set by state constitutions, city charters, or local ordinances, and changes often require voter approval.
Comparison of Politicians Pay to Other Professions
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all U.S. workers was $55,640 in May 2024, meaning