Tom Perez Current Net Worth and Income
Tom Perez is a former U.S. Secretary of Labor and former chair of the Democratic National Committee. Public estimates place his net worth in the low millions, based on disclosed financial filings and reported compensation from government and nonprofit roles. His wealth primarily reflects steady public-sector pay, pension benefits, and post-government board and consulting positions.
His income streams include salary from federal and state government service, pension accruals from his time as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and compensation from board seats and speaking engagements after leaving office. Exact annual figures vary by year, but disclosures consistently show a mix of public salary and modest outside earnings.
Career Timeline and Official Compensation
Key Government Roles and Pay
Perez served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama, earning the statutory salary for that cabinet-level position. Before that, he was Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, a role with a GS-level executive pay scale. He also served on the Montgomery County Council in Maryland, where members receive a set annual salary.
As Secretary of Labor, he oversaw enforcement of wage and hour laws, workplace safety rules, and federal contractor compliance. His tenure included updates to overtime rules, paid sick leave guidance for federal contractors, and efforts to raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers. Details on those actions are available on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
Post-Government Earnings and Outside Positions
Board Roles and Consulting Work
After leaving the Obama administration, Perez took positions on corporate and nonprofit boards and joined a law firm as a partner. These roles typically come with annual retainers, equity or deferred compensation, and consulting fees that can add to his overall earnings. He has also taught at Georgetown University Law Center, where faculty compensation varies by rank and responsibilities.
Public disclosures and news reports indicate he has served on boards related to labor policy, civil rights, and corporate governance. These positions often involve advising companies and organizations on compliance, diversity, and workforce practices. Specific compensation figures for most board seats are not always publicly detailed, but they are typically reported in annual filings when the organizations are publicly traded or receive federal funds.