Secretary of State Salary Overview
The secretary of state salary varies significantly by state, with total compensation typically combining a base salary, per diem, and benefits. In the most recent publicly reported data, base salaries for state secretaries of state range from roughly $60,000 to over $120,000, with the highest-paying states offering six-figure pay for the officeholder. Total cash compensation, including allowances and expense reimbursements, can push the overall package higher in larger states with bigger budgets. For the federal equivalent, the U.S. Secretary of State is a presidential appointee whose pay is tied to Executive Schedule rates, currently at Level I, which is set at $235,600 as of the latest OPM pay tables. This federal role also includes additional non-cash benefits such as government housing, travel, and security details. The secretary of state salary reflects the scope of responsibilities, which in many states include overseeing elections, business filings, and official record keeping.
State-level pay differences are driven by budget size, population, and statutory formulas. According to the National Association of Secretaries of State, compensation structures are set by each state legislature or constitution, leading to wide gaps between the lowest and highest paid secretaries of state. States with larger economies and more complex regulatory environments tend to offer higher total compensation packages. The secretary of state salary for the federal cabinet position is determined by Congress and the President, and it is adjusted when executive pay rates are updated. Public disclosures of these figures come from agency budgets, OPM reports, and state personnel offices, providing a clear picture of how much each secretary of state earns.
Pay Structure and Compensation Components
Base Salary and Statutory Pay
The base salary for a secretary of state is the fixed amount set by law or regulation. In states like California and New York, the base salary is at the higher end of the range, while smaller states may set it closer to the lower end. The secretary of state salary base is often adjusted periodically through legislative action or executive order. For the federal secretary of state, the base salary follows the Executive Schedule and is subject to annual review by the Office of Personnel Management. These base figures do not include variable pay or supplemental allowances.
Allowances, Per Diem, and Benefits
Beyond base pay, secretaries of state receive allowances for travel, office operations, and official expenses. Per diem rates for travel are based on federal or state guidelines and vary by location. Benefits typically include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave, which are part of the total secretary of state salary package. The federal secretary of state also receives access to secure housing and transportation as part of the compensation package. These additional components can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total value of the position.
Comparison With Other Government Roles
State-Level Comparisons
When compared to other statewide elected officials, the secretary of state salary often falls in the mid-range. In many states, the governor and lieutenant governor earn higher salaries, while attorneys general and treasurers may earn similar or slightly more. The secretary of state salary is typically lower than that of state supreme court justices and higher education system leaders. Public salary data from state personnel offices and transparency portals show these differences clearly.
Federal Cabinet-Level Comparison
The U.S. Secretary of State is the highest-ranking member of the cabinet in terms of protocol and compensation. The secretary of state salary at Level I of the Executive Schedule places it among the top-paid federal officials. Other cabinet secretaries, such as the Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Defense, are paid at the same level. This pay parity reflects the equal standing of cabinet members under federal pay rules. Detailed compensation data for these roles is available through OPM and federal budget documents.