If you are a political science degree holder and want to become a politician, then this is the right article for you that can give a complete overview of an average politician’s salary.
There are several government departments where a politician can work and contribute a lot. He may work at the local, state, or federal government offices in different capacities. Their level of government and their designation usually dictate their salary.
Average Politician Salary
For example, the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analyzed in May 2015 that the average politician has earned approximately $42,530.
Politicians designated at executive positions, like county commissioner, city manager, or mayor, may have different variety of salaries that depends upon their jurisdiction:
- Local government executives: $86,670 per year
- City manager: $84,290 per year
So, if you are also thinking about joining politics as a career, then you may want to know how much do politicians earn and what benefits they receive.
President’s Salary
Did you know the US president has paid more than $400,000 a year for his contributions and services as the nation’s commander-in-chief?
- Congress has given the president a great salary raise like five times since President George Washington designated his position in 1789.
- Congress previously raised the salary to the current level in 1999.
- Vice president’s salary: $235,100 per year as of January 2020.
Salary of Congress Members
Now let’s talk about the salary of congress members that generally varies according to the job title of the congressman.
- Most political leaders, senators, representatives, senior officers, delegates, as well as other resident commissioners from Puerto Rico generate an income of $174,000 annually.
- Higher-level politicians of congress earn a bit more:
- Speaker of the House: $223,500 annually
- President pro tempore of the Senate and other majority & minority leaders in the Senate: $193,400 annually
They receive such a huge paycheck because their responsibilities include:
- Making and declaring laws
- Overseeing public money
- Approving presidential appointments
- Impeaching federal officers
Chief Justice Salary
Chief Justice John Roberts sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021. (Photo by Erin Schaff / POOL / AFP)
It’s important to keep in mind that not every politician is an elected official. Many politicians are appointed by the President himself. One such position is Supreme Court Justice:
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: $260,700 per year (2016 report)
- Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: $249,300 per year
Other staff members ensure operations run smoothly:
- Chiefs of staff (local government): $82,150
- Legislative assistants (executive branch, federal government): $58,540
- Press secretaries (local government): $51,340
- Executive administrative assistants (local government): $47,090
- Executive administrative assistants (state government): $43,230
- Staff assistants (local government): $41,880
- Staff assistants (state government): $35,540
Salary of a Lobbyist
If you have read political science, you must know that a lobbyist is another reputable position in politics through which you can contribute to the wellbeing of society and earn a handsome amount.
- According to the Washington Post, the starting salary of a lobbyist could be $300,000 per year, especially if they have maintained good political connections.
Salary of a Political Consultant
Political consultants are also termed political scientists, playing a crucial role in the development of society.
- Average annual salary: $99,730
- Can also earn more than $162,500
Salary of a Senator
Members who belong to the Senate have set their annual wages by Congress every election period.
- Senators: $174,000 per year
- Pro Tempore of the Senate and party leaders: $193,400 per year
Conclusion
All the members of congress, political leaders, and other professionals receive huge benefits along with salaries. They enjoy:
- Healthcare facilities
- Pension
- Family death gratuity
- Annual allowances
- Some highly qualified members also receive free housing
This means politics and political career is highly lucrative if you want to opt for them.
- If you want to adopt it as a career, study all the basic and advanced facts before you get into it.
