Annual Salaries of Congress and Congressional Officials

What are the annual salaries of members of Congress and Congressional officials? With the approval ratings of Congress at record lows, many Americans may want to know if they are getting their money’s worth from members of Congress.

What are the annual salaries of members of Congress and Congressional officials? With the approval ratings of Congress at record lows, many Americans may want to know if they are getting their money’s worth from members of Congress.

According to data from the Congressional Research Service, since January 1, 2009, the compensation for most Representatives and Senators has been $174,000. Pay for 2011 and 2012 is frozen at this level.

The table below shows the annual salaries of other Congressional officials.

 

House of Representatives
Job Title Annual Salary
Speaker of the House $223,500
Majority and Minority Leaders $193,400
Chief Administrative Officer $172,500
Clerk of the House $172,500
Sergeant at Arms $172,500
Legislative Counsel $172,500
Law Revision Counsel $172,500
Parliamentarian $172,500
Inspector General $172,500
Director, Interparliamentary Affairs $172,500
General Counsel to House $172,500
Chaplain $172,500
   
Senate
President pro tempore
$230,700 per year if the Vice President position is vacant
$193,400
Majority and Minority Leaders $193,400
Secretary of the Senate $172,500
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper $172,500
Legislative Counsel $172,500
Senate Legal Counsel $172,500
Parliamentarian $171,315
Chaplain $155,500

Compensation of Standing Committee Employees

House of Representatives

The maximum salaries for employees of committees, as established in the 2009 pay order, are $172,500 per year for up to three staff members (two majority and one minority); $170,696 per year for up to nine staff members (six majority and three minority); and a maximum of $168,411 for other staff.

Senate

The maximum salary for employees of standing committees, as established in the 2009 pay order and continued in the 2010 pay order, is $171,315 per year.

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.