Robert Reich Salary and Compensation Overview
Robert Reich served as United States Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997 under President Bill Clinton, with a cabinet-level salary tied to the Executive Schedule. His later compensation shifted to academia, where he became a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and later a professor of public policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy. Reich also earned income from bestselling books, media appearances, and advisory roles, with his total compensation reflecting a mix of public service pay, university salary, and private-sector earnings.
Forbes and other outlets have tracked Reich's career earnings, noting that his peak public-sector pay aligned with the Executive Schedule while his later income streams included book royalties, speaking fees, and advisory board seats. His salary as Secretary of Labor was set by federal pay tables, while his Berkeley position placed him among senior faculty compensation tiers at a major public research university.
Robert Reich Net Worth and Income Sources
Academic and Book Royalties
Reich's primary income sources after his government service include his university professor salary, book royalties from multiple bestsellers, and fees from public speaking engagements. His academic role at UC Berkeley provided a steady base, while his books and media work added significant supplemental income.
Advisory Roles and Public Appearances
Reich has served on corporate and nonprofit boards, including advisory roles that typically carry compensation packages combining cash, equity, and deferred pay. These positions, combined with his media presence, contribute to his overall net worth and annual earnings profile.
Robert Reich Career Timeline and Public Service Pay
Reich's career includes roles in the Ford administration, academic appointments at Yale and Berkeley, and service as Secretary of Labor. His salary during the Clinton administration followed federal pay scales, while his later academic and advisory roles reflect market-rate compensation for senior public policy experts.
SEC filings and public disclosures for companies on whose boards Reich has served show director compensation that typically includes cash fees, stock awards, and deferred compensation. These disclosures provide concrete data points on his outside income beyond his academic salary and book royalties.