Current Congressional Salary
Members of Congress receive an annual salary set by federal law. As of recent years, the base pay for most senators and representatives is $174,000 per year. The Speaker of the House and certain leadership roles earn higher salaries.
How Pay Is Set and Adjusted
Congressional pay is determined by the Ethics Reform Act and subsequent legislation. Adjustments are subject to specific rules, and members cannot simply vote themselves raises without following the process. The most recent pay increase occurred in 2009, and no automatic annual raise has been implemented since.
Additional Compensation and Benefits
Beyond base pay, members receive allowances for office expenses, travel, and staff. They also have access to the federal employee retirement system and health insurance plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. For detailed rules, see the official Congressional Pay and Benefits overview at https://www.congress.gov/civil/salary.
