The Average Salary of the President

Compensation for the U.S. president includes a $50,000 expense allowance.

The salary of the president of the United State of America has increased over time from the $25,000 level established following the American Revolution during the presidency of George Washington to the $400,000 President Barack Obama earns.

Current Salary

The presidential salary currently sits at $400,000 per year, the highest it has ever been. It was raised to the current amount in 2001. Prior to that, the president earned $200,000 as well as a non-taxable expense account of $50,000 since 1979. The expense allowance is still included, with any unused portion going back to the Treasury.

Constitutional Provision

Article II, Section 1 of the United States constitution stipulates that the president should receive compensation for his service, and that it can neither increase nor be reduced during the period for which he has been elected.

Historical Salaries

From 1789 to 1872, the president's salary was $25,000 per year. This was increased to $50,000 annually in 1906 and then to $75,000 in 1909, the level at which it remained until it was raised to $100,000 along with a $50,000 non-taxable expense account in 1949. From 1953 until 1979, the expense account was taxable. The president's salary rose to $200,000 in 1969.

References

• United States Code:Title 3, 102:Compensation of the President
• Presidential and Vice-Presidential Salaries, 1789+
• Salary Provision in Constitution for President of the United States