The Average Salary of Michigan Legislators

Michigan legislators will take a pay cut in 2011.

Salaries for members of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Senate are set by the State Officers Compensation Commission, established in 1963, which meets every two years. Certain legislators hold positions entitling them to supplemental salaries.

Current Salary

Members of the Michigan legislature make an annual salary of $79,650 for the 2009-2010 session. Their compensation also includes a $12,000 annual expense allowance.

Future Salary

Members of the Michigan legislature will take a pay cut in January 2011, when the base salary will drop to $71,685 and the expense allowance will be reduced to $10,000.

Current Supplemental Salaries

Certain members of the Michigan legislature receive supplemental salaries in addition to the base salary and expense allowance. The speaker of the House receives an additional $27,000 per year, while the Senate majority leader is entitled to a $26,000 supplement. The House and Senate minority leaders each receive an extra $22,000, with House and Senate majority floor leaders receiving a supplemental salary of $12,000 annually. An additional $10,000 is paid to the House and Senate minority floor leaders, while the House and Senate appropriations committee chairs receive $7,000 each. The House speaker pro tempore and the Senate president pro tempore each receive a $5,513 supplemental salary.

Future Supplemental Salaries

In 2011, the supplemental salaries will be cut by 10 percent across the board.

Travel Expenses

House and Senate members are entitled to be reimbursed for certain travelling they do as part of their jobs.

References

• Michigan Manual 2009-2010: The Michigan Legislature: Members of the Legislature
• Michigan Live LLC: Michigan Senate Approves Pay Cut for Elected Officials