Secretary of State Salary Overview
The secretary of state salary varies widely across U.S. states, with elected constitutional officers typically earning between $60,000 and $130,000 annually based on state population and statutory pay tables. In large states such as California and New York, the secretary of state salary for the elected cabinet-level officer exceeds $120,000 per year, while smaller states often set compensation near the lower end of the range Forbes.
Appointed secretaries of state at the federal level, such as the head of the U.S. Department of State, receive a salary tied to the Executive Schedule, with the current rate for Level I set at $221,400 for 2024, reflecting the responsibilities of the nation's chief diplomat Executive Schedule Pay Tables.
Secretary of State Benefits and Compensation Packages
Benefits for a secretary of state commonly include a state or federal pension, health insurance, life insurance, and paid leave, with elected state officers often participating in the same retirement systems as other state employees SEC.
Federal secretaries of state receive additional benefits such as diplomatic post allowances, official residence use, travel budgets, and security details, which supplement the base salary and reflect the global scope of the role Forbes.
State-by-State Secretary of State Pay and Job Outlook
State-by-state data shows that the secretary of state salary in Texas is approximately $120,000, while in Illinois it is around $100,000, and in smaller states such as Wyoming it is closer to $70,000, with each figure set by the state legislature or constitution Forbes.
The job outlook for secretaries of state remains stable, with most positions filled through election cycles or gubernatorial appointment, and compensation adjustments typically occurring during legislative sessions that update pay tables for constitutional officers SEC.