Comparison with Other Top Federal Positions
The President’s pay outpaces other top officials, including the Vice President, who earns $235,100, and the Speaker of the House at $223,500. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court earns $317,500, while Associate Justices earn $303,600.
| Position | Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| President | $400,000 |
| Vice President | $235,100* |
| Speaker of the House | $223,500 |
| Senate/House Leaders | $193,400 |
| Members of Congress | $174,000 |
| Chief Justice, Supreme Court | $317,500 |
| Associate Justices, Supreme Court | $303,600 |
*The Vice President’s payable salary has been frozen since 2019 despite nominal adjustments listed by the Office of Personnel Management.
Historical Perspective
While the President’s salary has stayed the same for over two decades, other top federal salaries have seen gradual increases to match inflation and workload. For example, the Chief Justice’s pay rose from $277,700 in 2021 to $317,500 in 2025, and Associate Justices’ salaries grew from $265,600 to $303,600 in the same period.
Why the President’s Salary Matters
The pay for the US President reflects not just the duties of leading the executive branch, but also the symbolic stature of the office. However, the fixed salary since 2001 means inflation has eroded its real value, making discussions about potential adjustments a periodic topic in political and economic circles.
Source: National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) salary data, January 2014–2025.
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