The Average Salary of a U.S. Senator

Almost all United States senators make identical salaries. The salary of a senator, which is the same as that of a member of the House of Representatives, can be adjusted by stand-alone legislation, as a result of presidential recommendation or through annual adjustments.

Current salary

The salary for a member of the United States Senate in 2010 is $174,000 per year, as established by Executive Order 13525 of December 23, 2009: Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay, which adjusted the salary from its previous level of $169,300.

Exceptions

Three United States senators receive more than $174,000 per year. They are the Senate majority leader, the Senate minority leader and the Senate president pro tempore. The annual salary for the holders of these positions is $193,400.

History

Senators received only a $7 per diem for their service in 1795. In 1817, payment moved to an $8 per diem, where it stayed until late 1855, when a $3,000 yearly salary was established. The salary rose gradually over the years until it passed the $100,000 level in 1991.

References

• Executive Order 13525 of December 23, 2009:Adjustment of Certain Rates of Pay
• Salaries of Members of Congress: A List of Payable Rates and Effective Dates, 1789-2008