The Vice President of the United States holds the second-highest office in the executive branch of the federal government. In the event of an emergency, the Vice President is first in line to succeed the President. Despite the importance of this role, the salary for the Vice President is not the second-highest in the government hierarchy.
As of now, the President of the United States earns a salary of $400,000 per year, making them the highest-paid official in the government. The next highest earner is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who earns $300,000 annually. Even the associate justices on the Supreme Court earn more than the Vice President, with a salary of $298,500. Currently, the salary for the Vice President is set at $235,100 per year, which is significantly lower than other high-ranking officials in the government.
The last time the salary for the Vice President position increased was in January 2019 when the role received a $4,400 raise, bringing the salary to $230,700. However, a pay freeze has been in effect since 2019, limiting the Vice President’s salary to only $235,100.
An executive order on pay adjustments set the Vice President’s salary at $284,600 for 2024, but due to the pay freeze, only $235,100 is payable. Despite the lower salary compared to other high-ranking officials, Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley believes that the Vice President’s salary is reasonably commensurate with the duties of the role.
Brinkley, a professor of history at Rice University, points out that American Presidents and Vice Presidents are paid well compared to other world leaders. He notes that the compensation for these roles is among the highest globally. However, he also acknowledges that the Vice President’s job is not always clearly defined, making it challenging to argue for a substantial pay increase. Brinkley states, “It would be very hard to ask for a promotion by American taxpayers when you’re constantly downplaying what your portfolio is.”
Despite the lower salary, Vice Presidents are entitled to various perks, including Secret Service protection and access to private air travel. Additionally, they can earn significant sums after leaving office through speaking fees and book deals. These benefits help offset the lower salary and provide financial security for former Vice Presidents.
In conclusion, while the Vice President of the United States does not earn the second-highest salary in the government, the compensation is considered reasonable given the nature of the role. The position comes with significant responsibilities and perks that contribute to the overall financial well-being of the Vice President. Despite the challenges of advocating for a pay raise, the Vice President plays a crucial role in the functioning of the government and deserves appropriate compensation for their service.
