Senate Salaries since 1789
Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster 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.
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| 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 .
