Governor and Senator Salaries and Benefits
Author : john hashim
Last Updated : March, 2026
On This Page
Governor Salaries and Benefits
Governor salaries vary widely across the 50 states and U.S. territories. According to the Council of State Governments, the median governor salary is approximately $150,000 per year. The highest-paid governors serve in states such as New York ($225,000) and California ($218,556). The lowest salaries are found in Maine ($70,000) and Colorado ($90,000). Salary amounts are set by each state’s legislature and may be adjusted periodically.
There have been several notable instances of governors declining or reducing their pay. For example, during their tenures, some governors chose to accept only $1.00 per year or return their salary to the state treasury.
In many states, the governor is not the highest-paid state employee; that distinction often belongs to a state university athletic coach or medical school administrator.
Source: Council of State Governments, National Governors Association
Senator Salaries and Benefits
As of 2025, the annual salary of each U.S. senator is $174,000. Senate leadership positions earn up to $223,500 per year. These salaries are set by federal statute and have remained unchanged since 2009.
Senators receive retirement and health benefits identical to other federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and are fully vested after five years of service.
Historical Context
From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a daily payment of $6.00 while in session. In 1855, members began receiving an annual salary of $3,000. Congressional pay has been adjusted numerous times since then, with the most recent adjustment taking effect in 2009.