Federal and State Officials

In general, salaries for government officials tend to be lower than what the official could make working in the private sector. In the case of state legislators, the pay can be much lower.

Legislators earned median annual salaries of $47,290 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries generally ranged from less than $21,010 to more than $129,510, although some officials earn nothing at all. Fifty percent of legislators earned between $28,810 and $82,200. Those who worked for state governments earned mean annual incomes of $58,520.

State legislators earned annual salaries that ranged from $7,200 (Texas, in 2023) to $142,000 (New York, in 2024), according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The average annual base salary for a state legislator was $44,320 in 2024. A few states, however, don't pay state legislators anything but an expense allowance or a small honorarium (as little as $100). Salaries of state governors are typically much higher.

In 2024, U.S. senators and representatives earned $174,000, the vice president was paid $235,100, and the president earned $400,000. Congressional leaders receive higher salaries than the other Congress members. For example, the Speaker of the House receives a salary of $223,500, and Senate Majority and Minority leaders and the President Pro Tempore earned $193,400. U.S. Congress members receive excellent insurance, vacation, and other benefits. Benefits for officials at the state and local levels vary greatly, but often include medical insurance and pension programs.