U.S. Secretary of State salary and compensation overview
The annual salary for the U.S. Secretary of State is set by law at $235,600. This role, as the president’s principal foreign policy advisor and the nation’s chief diplomat, carries significant responsibilities that extend beyond compensation. This guide explains the salary, Executive Schedule Level II context, additional pay rules, benefits, and how this pay compares with other Cabinet secretaries and foreign policy leaders.
Executive Schedule Level II pay basics
Under the Executive Schedule, the Secretary of State is designated Level II, which establishes the base salary for the position. Federal law limits the total annual compensation for Level II positions, and adjustments generally follow across-the-board federal pay changes. The figures below reflect the pay as of 2024.
2024 salary table for Cabinet secretaries at Level II
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Secretary of State | U.S. Statute (5 U.S.C. § 5312) |
| Salary | $235,600 | Executive Schedule Level II; 2024 |
| Executive Order basis | EO 13768 and annual CPI adjustments | Federal Register |
| Payscale updates | Adjusted annually each January | OPM Pay Scales |
Other forms of compensation and pay limitations
Because Cabinet secretaries are Level II positions, certain rules apply:
- Outside earnings are generally capped; officeholders may receive limited honoraria, reimbursements, and certain statutory per diems, but not additional income from external employment.
- Travel allowances, representation allowances, and other fringe benefits may be provided within authorized federal limits.
- Post-government restrictions and financial disclosure requirements apply to manage conflicts of interest.
Benefits that complement the salary
Beyond base salary, the Secretary of State receives a comprehensive benefits package typical of senior federal executives, which may include:
- Health insurance and participation in Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB).
- Retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), with contributions and eligibility for an annuity based on service.
- Life insurance through the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions, with potential agency matching under certain conditions.
- Paid time off, annual leave, and special locality or hardship differentials if applicable.
How the Secretary of State pay compares
Compared with other Cabinet secretaries, the Secretary of State Level II pay is generally aligned, though some roles at the White House or with specific statutory authorities may vary slightly. Compared with diplomatic posts abroad, U.S. domestic executive salaries are typically higher than many ambassador-level positions, but senior ambassadors and mission chiefs may have comparable take-home pay after cost-of-living adjustments overseas.
Quick comparison of select Level II roles (2024)
| Role | Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State | $235,600 | Principal foreign policy; Level II |
| Secretary of the Treasury | $235,600 | Level II; similar statutory basis |
| Secretary of Defense | $241,400 | Level I; statutory exception for higher pay |
| Ambassador to UN (diplomatic level equivalent) | Approx. $185,000–$210,000 | Locality pay may apply; varies by post |
Frequently asked questions
Below are common questions about how the Secretary of State is paid and what that means in practice.
- Is the Secretary of State paid more than other Cabinet secretaries?
For the most part, no. Most Cabinet secretaries share the same Level II salary, with a few exceptions such as Secretary of Defense, which is set at Level I.
- Do Cabinet secretaries receive performance bonuses?
No; Cabinet positions are not eligible for performance bonuses, though other forms of recognition or statutory allowances may apply.
- How often does the salary change?
Adjustments follow the Federal Pay Scales, generally once per year, and are tied to changes in locality pay and overall budget legislation.
- Can the Secretary of State earn income from books or speaking?
Post-government activities are subject to review and restriction under federal ethics rules; earning rules are strict during service to avoid conflicts of interest.
Key takeaways
The U.S. Secretary of State earns $235,600 per year as a Level II Executive Schedule position. This salary is comparable to most other Cabinet secretaries and is set by statute with annual adjustments. Compensation includes robust benefits, and earnings from outside work are limited during service to preserve impartiality and public trust.