How much are members of Congress paid and what are their retirement benefits?
The current salary for all senators and members is $169,300. The salary for the speaker is $217,400 and the salary for the majority and minority leaders is $188,100. Members of Congress are covered by the same retirement plans as other federal employees, the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) for those hired, or elected, before 1984, and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) for those whose service began in 1984 or later. There are some differences in retirement age eligibility, years of service required, and contributions. Members elected after 1984 also participate in Social Security. As of October 1, 1999, the average annual pension for former members under the CSRS plan was $51,660; for those under the FERS plan, $46,572. Further information about congressional salaries, pensions, and benefits may be found at TheCapitol.Net and C-Span’s Capitol Questions.
The current salary for all senators and members is $174,000. The salary for the speaker is $223,500 and the salary for the majority and minority leaders is $193,400. Members of Congress are covered by the same retirement plans as other federal employees, the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) for those hired, or elected, before 1984, and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) for those whose service began in 1984 or later. There are some differences in retirement age eligibility, years of service required, and contributions. Members elected after 1984 also participate in Social Security. As of October 1, 2007, the average annual pension for former members under the CSRS plan was $63,696; for those under the FERS plan, $36,732. Further information about congressional salaries, pensions, and benefits may be found at TheCapitol.Net and C-Span’s Capitol Questions.
