Donald Trump's salary: What the US President earns and perks compared to world leaders

The President of the United States earns a substantial annual salary of $400,000, a figure set by Congress in 2001 and unchanged since then. 

While this may seem high, it falls below the U.S. top 1% income threshold of approximately $788,000. The president’s earnings are modest compared to world leaders like Singapore’s Prime Minister, who receives around $1.6 million annually, and Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, earning about $695,000.

The U.S. president’s compensation package includes several allowances: a $50,000 expense allowance for personal and official duties, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account for official travel expenses, a $19,000 entertainment allowance for hosting events, and $100,000 for redecorating the White House upon assuming office. Together, these add up to a total annual package of around $569,000.

Beyond salary and allowances, the president enjoys valuable non-monetary benefits. Residence in the White House is provided free, along with access to Air Force One, Marine One, and a fleet of armored limousines. 

The president also receives round-the-clock Secret Service protection and comprehensive healthcare, crucial aspects of this high-profile role.

U.S. President Compensation Details and Comparisons

Category	Details (U.S. President)	Other World Leaders
Annual Salary	$400,000	Singapore PM: $1.6 million - $1.69 million
Expense Allowance	$50,000 (non-taxable)	Hong Kong CE: $695,000
Travel Account	$100,000 (non-taxable)	Switzerland President: $530,000 - $570,000
Entertainment Allowance	$19,000	Australia PM: $390,000 - $413,351
White House Redecoration	$100,000 (one-time allowance)	N/A
Total Compensation Package	$569,000	N/A
Housing	Free residence at White House	N/A
Transportation	Access to Air Force One, Marine One, Armored Limousines	N/A
Security	Secret Service protection	N/A
Healthcare	Comprehensive medical care	N/A
Post-Presidency Pension	$230,000 annually	N/A
Office Space and Staff (Post-Term)	Provided	N/A
Paid Official Travel (Post-Term)	Provided	N/A

Comparison by GDP per Capita

Leader	Salary as % of GDP per Capita
U.S. President	~606%
Singapore PM	1,320%
Kenya President	2,360%
Tanzania President	1,285%

Even after leaving office, U.S. presidents retain notable financial and logistical support. Former presidents receive a pension of about $230,000 per year, alongside healthcare benefits, office space, and staff funding. 

They also receive coverage for official travel expenses, allowing them to maintain public duties. Many former presidents subsequently earn substantial income through book deals, speaking engagements, and other ventures.

Globally, the U.S. president’s salary is mid-range among world leaders. While Singapore’s Prime Minister tops the list, earning 1,320% of Singapore’s GDP per capita, the U.S. president’s salary aligns more closely with the GDP per capita of the country. 

In Kenya, for example, President William Ruto’s earnings are 2,360% of Kenya’s GDP per capita, highlighting global differences in compensation relative to economic conditions.