Politicians' salaries vary by rank and political office.
Politicians work at the municipal, county, state and federal level to propose and enact legislation. A politician's job is to represent the constituents of her area. The annual income of a politician varies widely by region and level of government in which she works. A small town mayor, for example, makes much less than a senator.
Municipal Politicians
Annual incomes of city mayors vary widely. The average mayoral salary is $62,000, according to Simply Hired. However, mayors of large cities earn much more because of the greater responsibilities that accompany their positions. For example, in 2005, the mayor of New York City earned $195,000 annually.
State Legislators
The salaries of state legislators vary widely by region. States with small populations tend to offer their legislators less, while larger states provide greater compensation. In 2007, most states offered a small salary of $20,000 to $40,000 in addition to a daily per diem rate of $100 to $200 for each day legislators are in session.
House of Representatives and Senate
Members of the US House of Representatives and Senate received an annual salary of $174,000 in 2009. Majority and minority leaders of the Senate made $193,400, while the speaker of the house made $223,500. Federal legislators' salaries go up each year through a cost of living increase, unless Congress votes against it.
Executive Branch Politicians
Politicians in the executive branch of government make larger salaries than those in the legislative branch. The vice president made $227,300 in 2009, while the president made $400,000. These officials also have large expense accounts that pay for official functions. They also receive free housing, including many amenities.
Supreme Court
While the supreme court members are not politicians per se, they are important members of the political process as members of the judicial branch of government. In 2009, the associate justices of the Supreme Court made $208,100, while the chief justice made $217,400, according to the House of Representatives.
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