Cabinet secretaries are among the highest-ranking and highest-paid government officials in the United States. As heads of the major federal executive departments, cabinet secretaries hold significant responsibility and influence in the administration. Their compensation reflects the demanding nature of their roles.
Overview of Cabinet Secretary Pay
The salary of cabinet secretaries is set at Level I of the Executive Schedule. This is the highest level of the pay scale for federal government officials, including the Vice President.
As of 2022, the annual salary for Level I is $221,400. This amount is subject to adjustment each year.
In addition to the base salary, cabinet secretaries are eligible for various bonuses, allowances, and benefits that can add tens of thousands of dollars or more to their total compensation package.
Factors That Determine Cabinet Secretary Pay
Several key factors impact how much cabinet secretaries make each year:
Executive Schedule Pay Tables
The Executive Schedule specifies salary ranges for top government officials. Congress sets these pay levels and the president approves annual adjustments to the entire schedule.
Cabinet Position
While all cabinet officials are paid at the same Executive Level I, their total compensation packages can vary depending on their agency. For example, the Secretary of Defense traditionally receives a higher salary.
Presidential Administration
Each administration issues an executive order to set the precise salary for Level I and update the rest of the Executive Schedule pay tables. The incoming president has discretion to make adjustments.
Cost of Living Adjustments
An annual COLA percentage helps offset inflation. This applies to all Executive Schedule salary levels, including Level I for cabinet secretaries.
Bonuses and Allowances
Cabinet secretaries may qualify for bonus pay, expense allowances, and other perks that supplement their base salary. But these extras depend on the department and position.
Salary History for Cabinet Secretaries
To understand how compensation for cabinet officials has changed over time, here is a historical look at Level I salary on the Executive Schedule:
- 1969 – $60,000
- 1975 – $66,000
- 1979 – $69,630
- 1987 – $89,500
- 1991 – $125,100
- 2001 – $175,700
- 2009 – $196,700
- 2017 – $207,800
- 2022 – $221,400
The current $221,400 Level I salary for cabinet secretaries is nearly four times higher than the pay 50 years ago. This reflects steady inflation and cost of living adjustments.
Salaries for Cabinet-Rank Officials
Besides the traditional 15 cabinet secretary positions, several other senior government officials hold a cabinet-level rank:
- White House Chief of Staff
- Administrator of the EPA
- Director of the Office of Management and Budget
- United States Trade Representative
- United Nations Ambassador
These cabinet-rank appointees also earn the same Level I salary as secretaries. Their total compensation depends on individual factors like bonuses and expense allowances.
Highest Paid Cabinet Secretaries
While all secretaries earn equal base pay, they do not all take home the same amount. Here are examples of cabinet positions that traditionally receive the highest total compensation:
Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense has long received the highest pay among cabinet officials. In 2021, Secretary Lloyd Austin had a salary of $221,400 plus a $2,500 expense allowance.
With supplemental combat pay plus various allowances and bonuses, the total annual compensation can reach over $300,000.
Secretary of State
As America’s chief diplomat, the Secretary of State is also among the highest paid. In 2021, Secretary Antony Blinken earned $221,400. With all allowances and bonuses, his total pay exceeded $210,000.
Secretary of Treasury
Overseeing the nation’s finances also commands top-tier pay. Janet Yellen, the current Treasury Secretary, earns $221,400 in base salary. Her total annual compensation is close to $250,000.
Lowest Paid Cabinet Secretaries
At the other end of the spectrum, some cabinet secretaries receive smaller overall compensation packages. This is typically due to minimal or no supplemental allowances, bonuses, or other perks.
Examples of lower-paid cabinet positions include:
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Secretary of Homeland Security
- Secretary of Health and Human Services
Without the extras, these and other secretaries earn closer to the $221,400 base salary.
FAQs About Cabinet Secretary Pay
How much do cabinet secretaries make per year?
The annual salary for cabinet secretaries is $221,400 as of 2022. This Level I base pay can be supplemented with bonuses, allowances, and other compensation.
Do cabinet secretaries get paid for life?
No. Cabinet secretaries do not receive lifetime salary or pensions after leaving their position. However, if they meet age and service requirements, they may qualify for federal retirement benefits.
Do cabinet members get severance pay?
There are no special severance packages or pay for cabinet officials. They receive their regular salary through their date of departure.
Who has the highest salary in the White House?
The Vice President earns the highest base pay at $255,800 per year as of 2022. The Chief of Staff also makes the top Level II salary of $221,400 equal to cabinet secretaries.
Do cabinet secretaries fly free?
Yes. Current and former cabinet secretaries are entitled to free space-available flights on military aircraft within the U.S and abroad. Restrictions apply to personal/political travel.
How much does the US cabinet make?
As the heads of all federal departments, the cabinet consists of the 15 secretary positions plus other cabinet-rank officials. Collectively, the cabinet earns over $3.5 million just in base salaries each year.
The Bottom Line
In their critical roles leading major government agencies, United States cabinet secretaries earn annual salaries of $221,400 at Level I of the Executive Schedule. While base pay is fixed, overall compensation can range higher, with secretaries like Defense earning upwards of $300,000 per year when factoring in all allowances, bonuses, and benefits. However, salaries are still much lower than equivalent positions in the private sector. The compensation reflects the immense demands of representing the nation at the highest levels of government.
Conclusion
Cabinet secretaries occupy prestigious and vital roles in the president’s administration. As heads of federal departments, they bear immense responsibilities and influence over national policies and priorities. The Level I salary on the Executive Schedule, currently set at $221,400, reflects the qualifications, experience, and importance of their cabinet positions. With bonuses and allowances, total compensation packages can far exceed the base salary. By exploring the history and processes that determine secretary pay, we gain insight into how the United States attracts and compensates top talent to fill some of the most critical unelected offices in government. The cabinet helps shape the course of the nation on both domestic and foreign policy. Accordingly, competitive compensation helps ensure the country can build a capable executive branch to address our most pressing issues and challenges.