History and Government > U.S. Government

Senate Salaries since 1789

(per year unless noted)

From a stipend of six dollars a day in 1789 to a much more robust salary of $174,000 in 2009, this chart shows how compensation for U.S. senators has evolved over time.

Year	Salary
1789–1815	$6.00 per day
1815–1817	$1,500
1817–1855	$8.00 per day
1855–1865	$3,000
1865–1871	$5,000
1871–1873	$7,500
1873–1907	$5,000
1907–1925	$7,500
1925–1932	$10,000
1932–1933	$9,000
1933–1935	$8,500
1935–1947	$10,000
1947–1955	$12,500
1955–1965	$22,500
1965–1969	$30,000
1969–1975	$42,500
1975–1977	$44,600
1977–1978	$57,500
1979–1983	$60,662.50
1983	$69,800
1984	$72,600
1985–1986	$75,100
1987 (Jan. 1–Feb. 3)	$77,400
1987–1990	$89,500
1990 (as of Feb. 1)	$98,400
1991	$101,900
1991 (as of Aug. 15)	$125,100
1992	$129,500
1993–1997	$133,600
1998–1999	$136,700
2000	$141,300
2001	$145,100
2002	$150,000
2003	$154,700
2004	$158,100
2005	$162,100
2006	$165,200
2007	$165,200
2008	$169,300
2009	$174,000

NOTE: Since the early 1980s, Senate leaders—majority and minority leaders, and the president pro tempore—have received slightly higher salaries than other members.

Source: United States Senate. Web: www.senate.gov .

Congressional Apportionment, 2000

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