🏛️ How much does a US senator make?
Most U.S. senators make $174,000 a year; that is also the typical senator’s pay. Senate leaders and the president pro tempore make $193,400.
Pay is mostly set by law, but Senate leadership roles get a higher salary; in Japan, the presiding chair also has a higher statutory rate.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most U.S. senators | $174,000 | Congressional Research Service salary table |
| Senate leaders and the president pro tempore | $193,400 | Congressional Research Service salary table |
US Congress: salaries of senators, representatives and leaders
Members of the US Congress are paid a salary set by federal law. Senators and Representatives earn the same, and the Speaker and party leaders earn a bit more.
Highest: Speaker of the House at $223,500. Lowest: Delegate / Resident Commissioner (Puerto Rico) at $174,000. Average of 9: $190,278.
As of 2026-05-06
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Most U.S. senators | $14,500 | $477 |
| Senate leaders and the president pro tempore | $16,117 | $530 |
Where does the money come from?
What famous US senators make
| Who | Amount |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Elizabeth Warren U.S. Senator (Massachusetts) | $174,000 (2026) Senator Warren's salary is set by law at $174,000 a year. |
How do you become a US senator?
Learn about public issues and listen to people in your state. To serve, you must be at least 30, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and an inhabitant of the state you seek to represent. Follow that state’s nomination rules, then win the statewide election.
- Learn about local issues and listen to people in your state.
- Meet the Constitution’s age, citizenship, and state-residency rules.
- Follow state rules to seek a party nomination or ballot spot.
- Win the statewide election and begin a six-year term.
Qualifications and exams
The Constitution requires a senator to be at least 30, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and an inhabitant of the state at election. It lists no professional license or exam.
A day as a US senator
A senator may review bills and messages from people in their state with staff, then hear testimony at a committee meeting. On the Senate floor, senators debate bills and vote.
Common questions
How much does a US senator make?
A US senator makes $174,000 a year. Party leaders and the president pro tempore make $193,400. Source
Do U.S. senators and House members have the same salary?
Yes. Most U.S. senators and House members have the same listed annual salary: $174,000. Source
Do Senate leaders earn more than other senators?
Yes. The Senate majority and minority leaders and the president pro tempore each earn $193,400 a year. Most senators earn $174,000. Source
Is a senator’s office allowance personal income?
No. The office allowance pays for approved official costs, such as staff and travel; it cannot be used for personal expenses. Source
Does a senator keep getting paid after a term ends?
No. Members receive their salary only during the terms for which they were elected, not after those terms end. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Most Japanese upper-house members | $146,067 | Statutory salary plus annual bonus |
| The House of Councillors president | $244,933 | Calculated from statutory salary and bonus |
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Data table and sources
- www.senate.gov/senators/SenateSalariesSince1789.htm
- www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL30064
- laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/322AC1000000080
- www.jiji.com/jc/article?g=pol&k=2025121600885
- isvd.or.jp/en/columns/2026-04-05-diet-member-hidden-compensation
- www.congress.gov/crs-product/R44399
- constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S3-C3-1/ALDE_00013345/
- bensguide.gpo.gov/election-of-senators
- www.senate.gov/legislative/senate-in-session.htm
- www.congress.gov/crs-product/98-489
This job is not covered directly by government wage statistics, so the figures come from leagues, associations, surveys and the press.
- US Congress members earn $174,000 a year, unchanged since 2009. Leaders like the Speaker earn a bit more. (US Senate (senate.gov))