Politics isn’t always seen as a money-making career. After all, politicians serve in positions of public service. Nobody goes in expecting to make Bezos money (at least not through their annual salary). But factors like cost of living and internal politics do play a part in the size of a politician’s paycheck.
Some leaders make a salary pretty close to the median income of their area, whereas many others are far away on the high end of the salary scale. It might also surprise that some major city mayors make close to what some presidents make.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most prominent political jobs and political appointments in the world, starting with the world’s highest paid political position descending all the way down to the lowest.
Note: This isn’t a comprehensive list. It’s a survey of 51 positions to highlight what some of highest-profile politicians and political appointees in the world earn for their official roles, and how those salaries compare to other federal, state and local positions, as well as what a typical taxpayer in a politician’s jurisdiction might earn. All salaries are in U.S. dollars and as current as we could determine at the time of publication.
Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
John Roberts, shown here in 2008, is a political appointee and the highest ranking judge in the United States. Stephan Savoia / AP Photo
Salary: $267,000
Location: Washington, D.C.
Median local household income: $75,506
Job: The chief justice is the highest-ranking judge of the federal judiciary, serving until he or she retires, dies, is impeached or otherwise resigns. He or she is appointed by the president. Duties include selecting cases for review, leading discussion on cases and choosing which justice writes the court opinion.
Current seatholder: John Roberts
Vice President of the United States
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivers opening remarks during the National Space Council meeting in 2017, in Chantilly, Virginia. Joel Kowsky / NASA via AP
Salary: $243,500
Location: Washington, D.C.
Median local household income: $75,506
Job: The VP has responsibility to take over if anything happens to the president. Besides advising the president, the VP is also president of the Senate, which counts as the tie-breaking vote when passing legislation.
Current officeholder: Mike Pence
U.S. Senator
Senator Kamala Harris, D-Calif., one of 100 U.S. senators, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Feb. 7, 2019. J. Scott Applewhite / AP Photo
Salary: $174,000
Location: Washington, D.C.
Median local household income: $75,506
Job: In the U.S. Senate, the upper chamber of Congress, senators elected for a six-year term are in charge of everything from confirming justices to writing and passing laws.
Current officeholder: 100 members
U.S. Representative
Representative Liz Cheney, R-Wy., waves during a ceremony to pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., Nov. 20, 2018. Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo
Salary: $174,000
Location: Washington, D.C.
Median local household income: $75,506
Job: The lower chamber of Congress, representatives in this house are elected for two-year terms and tasked with introducing and passing bills and resolutions .
Current officeholder: 435 members
City Clerk of Chicago
Anna Valencia, center, smiles after she was sworn in as Clerk of the City of Chicago, Jan. 25, 2017. Matt Marton / AP Photo
Salary: $133,545
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Median local household income: $68,403
Job: The city clerk manages records for the municipality, including city council legislation, public records and licenses.
Current officeholder: Anna Valencia
First Lady of the United States
United States first lady Melania Trump speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, July 18, 2016. J. Scott Applewhite / AP Photo
Salary: $0
Location: Washington, D.C.
Median local household income: $75,506
Job: Although an unpaid position, the first lady’s office is an important one when it comes to managing political campaigns, social causes and overseeing official occasions and events.
Current officeholder: Melania Trump
