Current Presidential Compensation and Allowances
The President of the United States receives an annual salary of $400,000, a taxable pension, and a non-taxable expense account. The salary is set by Congress and has remained at $400,000 since January 2001, with an additional $50,000 annual expense account and a $100,000 nontaxable travel account. The President also receives $19,000 for entertainment and access to the White House staff, medical care, and security detail Forbes.
Presidential pay is determined by the Executive Schedule under the Ethics in Government Act and is subject to federal income tax, but the expense and travel accounts are not. The President does not receive a separate housing allowance because the White House is provided as an official residence. In addition, the President has access to Camp David, the Presidential Airlift Group, and the White House Medical Unit, all funded through the annual federal budget U.S. Senate.
Post-Presidency Pension and Office Benefits
Pension and Transition Rules
Former Presidents receive an annual pension equal to the pay of a Cabinet secretary, which was $219,200 in 2024, plus an annual expense allowance of up to $150,000 for staff and office costs. To qualify, a President must have served at least one full term, and the pension begins immediately after leaving office. The Former Presidents Act also provides funding for a transition team, office space, and Secret Service protection for life National Archives.
In addition to the pension, former Presidents receive up to $96,000 annually for travel and a $20,000 annual allowance for office expenses. The transition funding, capped at $150,000 per former President, is administered by the General Services Administration and is intended to support the first 30 days after leaving office. The pension is adjusted annually based on the Employment Cost Index and is considered taxable income GSA.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Salary Changes Over Time
The presidential salary was raised to $200,000 in 1969, then to $400,000 in 2001. Before 2001, the last raise occurred in 1999 when Congress approved a $50,000 increase to $200,000. The current $400,000 salary ranks among the highest for heads of state in the G7, though it is lower than the compensation packages of many corporate CEOs Forbes.
Total Compensation and Benefits
When combining the $400,000 salary, $50,000 expense account, $100,000 travel account, $19,000 entertainment allowance, and the value of the White House residence and staff, the total annual compensation package is