If you are a political science graduate considering a career in politics, you might be curious about the earning potential in this field. Politicians work across local, state, and federal government offices, and their salaries depend largely on their position and jurisdiction.
Average Politician Salary
According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average politician earned $42,530 per year as of May 2015.
However, executive positions like county commissioner, city manager, or mayor often earn significantly more:
- Local government executives: $86,670 per year
- City managers: $84,290 per year
Salaries vary depending on responsibilities, region, and level of government.
President and Vice President Salaries
- US President: $400,000 per year
- US Vice President: $235,100 per year (as of January 2020)
Since George Washington, Congress has raised presidential salaries multiple times, with the current level set in 1999.
Salary of Congress Members
Congress members’ salaries differ based on their role:
- Most members: $174,000 per year
- Speaker of the House: $223,500 per year
- President pro tempore of the Senate: $193,400 per year
- Other Senate leaders (majority & minority): $193,400 per year
Responsibilities include lawmaking, overseeing public funds, approving appointments, and impeaching federal officers, justifying their higher pay.
Supreme Court Salaries
Not all politicians are elected; many are appointed, like Supreme Court Justices:
- Chief Justice: $260,700 per year
- Associate Justice: $249,300 per year
Supporting staff also receive salaries:
- Chiefs of Staff (local government): $82,150
- Legislative assistants (federal executive branch): $58,540
- Press secretaries (local government): $51,340
- Executive administrative assistants: $47,090 (local), $43,230 (state)
- Staff assistants: $41,880 (local), $35,540 (state)
Lobbyists and Political Consultants
- Lobbyists: Starting salary can be $300,000 per year for well-connected professionals.
- Political Consultants/Political Scientists: Average $99,730 per year, with potential earnings exceeding $162,500. They play a vital role in keeping the political system efficient and well-managed.
Senators’ Salary
- Regular Senators: $174,000 per year
- Senate Pro Tempore and Party Leaders: $193,400 per year
Benefits and Perks
In addition to salaries, politicians enjoy:
- Healthcare facilities
- Pension plans
- Family death gratuity
- Annual allowances
- Free housing for some senior members
This makes politics a lucrative career choice, but aspiring politicians should be well-informed about both the responsibilities and benefits before entering the field.
For more information, visit OnePolitician.
