Current Salary of Members of Congress
As of the most recent public data, the annual base salary for rank-and-file members of the U.S. House and Senate is $174,000 source. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders earn $223,500, while the President pro tempore of the Senate and the majority and minority whips receive $193,400 source. These figures are set by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 and adjusted automatically unless Congress votes to deny the increase source.
Congressional pay is determined by the Commission on Congressional Pay, which issues recommendations based on private-sector benchmarks, and any change takes effect after the next election cycle source. Members do not receive automatic cost-of-living adjustments unless Congress explicitly approves them, and recent years have seen multiple pay freeze votes source. The current base pay places a typical member of Congress in the top percentile of U.S. household income when compared with the national median wage source.
Additional Compensation and Benefits
Allowances and Office Funding
Members receive a generous allowance to cover staff salaries, office expenses, and district-related costs, with the exact amount varying by chamber and state population source. The House Members' Representational Allowance and the Senate Office Allowance are intended to support official duties, not personal enrichment, and are subject to detailed public reporting source.
Retirement and Health Benefits
Congress members participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System and may qualify for a pension after five years of service, with contributions and benefits governed by federal law source. They also receive access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, which subsidizes a portion of premiums for medical, dental, and vision coverage