You’d think the person running the most powerful economy on the planet would have a paycheck that reflects it. If you look at the tech giants or Wall Street, $400,000 looks like a entry-level bonus for a hotshot trader. But that is exactly what the salary of the president of the US has been for over two decades.
It’s a weirdly static number.
Since 2001, every Commander-in-Chief—from George W. Bush to the current administration in 2026—has earned that same base pay. But honestly, looking at the base salary alone is like looking at the price of a car without checking the "fully loaded" features. The real money, and the real cost to taxpayers, is buried in the perks, the accounts, and the life-after-office benefits that keep former presidents very comfortable.
Why the President's Salary Doesn't Change
The Constitution is pretty strict about this. Under Article II, Section 1, Congress can’t give the president a raise while they are actually in office. They can't cut it either. This "Domestic Emoluments Clause" was designed to make sure Congress couldn't bribe or starve the president into doing what they want.
Basically, if Congress wants to change the pay, they have to pass a law that takes effect for the next term.
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A History of Low Raises
In the grand history of the United States, there have only been five pay raises. Five.
- 1789: George Washington got $25,000. In 2026 dollars, that’s roughly $900,000. He actually tried to turn it down, but the law said he had to take it.
- 1873: Ulysses S. Grant saw the jump to $50,000.
- 1909: William Howard Taft’s term bumped it to $75,000.
- 1949: Harry Truman became the first to hit six figures at $100,000.
- 1969: Richard Nixon’s salary doubled to $200,000.
- 2001: Bill Clinton signed the law that brought us to the current $400,000.
If you adjust for inflation, the current salary is actually a massive pay cut compared to what presidents were making in the early 1900s. In 1909, $75,000 had the buying power of over $2.6 million today.
It’s Not Just the $400k: The Expense Accounts
When you talk about the salary of the president of the US, you have to factor in the "side" accounts. These aren't just suggestions; they are codified in Title 3 of the U.S. Code.
The president gets a $50,000 annual expense allowance. Interestingly, any part of this they don't spend actually goes back to the Treasury. They also get $100,000 for a non-taxable travel account and $19,000 for official entertainment.
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Then there's the $100,000 "moving in" fund. When a new president takes over, they get this cash to redecorate the White House. Some, like the Obamas, famously refused it and used their own money, while others have used every penny to refresh the carpets and curtains of the Oval Office.
Living for Free (Sorta)
You've got the White House. 132 rooms. 35 bathrooms. A bowling alley. A movie theater. A private chef.
The "rent" is zero.
But here is the catch that shocks most people: the president has to pay for their own groceries. If they want a steak dinner for the family or a specific brand of cereal, the White House staff buys it, but the president gets an itemized bill at the end of every month. It’s not uncommon for first families to be surprised by how much it costs to live in a "free" house.
The Post-Presidency Goldmine
The real "wealth" of the presidency usually happens after the helicopter takes off from the South Lawn for the last time.
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Until 1958, former presidents were basically on their own. Harry Truman was so broke when he left office that Congress felt embarrassed and passed the Former Presidents Act.
The Pension
As of 2026, the presidential pension is tied to the salary of a Cabinet Secretary (Executive Level I). This sits around $246,400 per year (depending on recent adjustments). It starts the second they leave office.
The Perks for Life
- Secret Service Protection: For the former president, their spouse, and children (until age 16).
- Office Space and Staff: The government pays for a private office anywhere in the country. In some years, taxpayers have spent over $500,000 just on the rent for a former president's office in places like New York or D.C.
- Health Insurance: They get to stay on the Federal Employees Health Benefits program if they’ve been in government long enough.
Comparing the President to Others
It’s wild to think that the person in charge of a $30 trillion economy makes less than most backup quarterbacks in the NFL.
| Position | Estimated 2026 Salary |
|---|---|
| US President | $400,000 |
| Vice President | $235,100 (frozen) |
| Chief Justice (Supreme Court) | $320,700 |
| Speaker of the House | $223,500 |
| Average S&P 500 CEO | $16,000,000+ |
You can see why people say you don't run for president for the paycheck. You run for the power, the legacy, and the $60 million book deal that waits for you on the other side.
Actionable Insights: What This Means for You
Understanding the salary of the president of the US gives you a pretty clear window into how the government values the office versus the person. If you're looking for lessons here, it's about the "Total Compensation Package."
- Look beyond the base pay: Just like the president, your "real" income includes your 401(k) match, health insurance, and bonuses. Always calculate your total value, not just the number on your offer letter.
- Understand the "Dignity" cost: The US pays former presidents because it's bad for the country's image if a former leader is living in poverty. This is why many high-level corporate roles include non-compete payments or "golden parachutes."
- Check the Federal Budget: If you're curious about where this money actually comes from, you can view the annual Executive Office of the President budget which details every dollar spent on travel, staff, and light bulbs.
The salary hasn't moved in 25 years. Whether Congress decides the job is worth $500,000 or $1 million in the next decade is still up for debate, but for now, $400,000 is the magic number.