Even though the First Lady (or First Gentleman) doesn’t receive a salary for her work while living in the White House, they do have the option to receive a pension.
They can receive $20,000 per year as long as they’re not receiving a pension from elsewhere. Additionally, they can be reimbursed up to $500,000 a year in travel expenses. You have to know who to marry.
Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs — $183,000
With hundreds of senators and members of the House of Representatives, the president needs help maintaining relationships with them. This task is assigned to the Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, who makes sure everyone is happy so they’re more likely to agree with the president’s agenda.
This position pays $183,000 which is a little more than what it paid less than a decade ago. Basically, whoever does this job, is the so-called mediator between all people in the government and all people who hold influential positions. The president can afford internal hassle.
A Former President — $207,800
A president isn’t financially cut off the moment they leave the White House. In fact, the benefits a president receives only improve when their term is up. They receive a lifetime pension in the amount equal to the salary of the head of an executive department. Currently, that amount is $207,800 per year. They also receive funding to help them transition out of the White House for seven months after their term ends, to help pay for office space, a staff, and any other necessities.
On top of that, the former president and their families receive protection from the Secret Service for life, free medical treatment, annual reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1 million, and an honorary funeral.
Homeland Security Secretary — $179,000
The Homeland Security Secretary is a relatively new position in the White House, created as a result of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. In charge of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the individual offered this position is in charge of the safety of U.S. citizens.
This includes enhancing security, securing and managing the United States borders while still facilitating trade and travel, enforcing immigration laws, securing cyberspace, increasing resilience to natural disasters, and providing essential support for national and economic security.
House Of Representatives — $174,000
The House of Representatives makes up the United States Congress and serves each district. States are split into districts based on their population, so larger states all have more representatives. For example, California has the largest number of representatives at 53, while states like Alaska and Delaware only have one.
In total, there are 435 representatives whose job is to vote on whether or not to pass proposed bills. Most members of Congress earn $174,000 per year unless they are in a leadership role.