Senate Salaries since 1789

Updated February 12, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

(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.

YearSalary
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, 2000U.S. GovernmentPowers of the Government
Sources +