The vice president of the United States – who holds the second-highest position in the executive branch of the federal government and who, in an emergency, is first in line to succeed the president – ​​does not earn the second-highest salary higher.

THE the president earns $400,000 per year, while the second highest earner is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who earns $300,000. Even associate justices of the high court, at $298,500, earn more than the vice president of the United States, whose salary is currently set at $235,100 one year.

The last time the salary for the vice president position increased was in January 2019, when the position got a $4,400 increase, up from $230,700.

The vice president’s salary has been set at $284,600 for 2024, according to a decree on salary adjustments. However, a salary freeze has been in effect since 2019, meaning only $235,100 of the vice president’s salary is payable.

Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, a professor of history at Rice University, believes that the vice president’s salary is reasonably commensurate with the duties of the position.

“American presidents and vice presidents are well paid compared to other world leaders – they are oriented to the top,” he told CBS MoneyWatch.

Brinkley noted that vice presidents don’t always have clearly defined jobs, making it more difficult to advocate for substantial pay increases. “It would be very difficult to ask American taxpayers for a promotion when you constantly downplay the importance of your wallet.”

On the other hand, vice presidents are entitled to benefits such as Secret Service Protection and access to private air travel. They can also earn large sums after leaving office through speaker fees and book deals.