The United States Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country. Its justices hold one of the most prestigious and influential positions in the nation. Alongside the high level of responsibility, Supreme Court justices receive a structured salary and benefits package designed to reflect their critical role in interpreting and upholding the Constitution.
This 2025 guide provides a detailed breakdown of the US Supreme Court justice salary, allowances, benefits, and associated perks. It also explores how salaries compare to other federal judges, factors influencing compensation, and frequently asked questions about this unique legal career.
Overview of Supreme Court Justice Salary (2025)
Supreme Court justice salaries are set by Congress and are updated periodically to reflect economic conditions, cost-of-living adjustments, and federal budget priorities. Salaries vary slightly depending on whether the justice serves as Chief Justice or Associate Justice:
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Chief Justice: Receives the highest salary among the justices
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Associate Justices: Receive slightly lower salaries, but still significantly above typical federal GS pay grades
Key Salary Determinants
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Position: Chief or Associate Justice
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Federal Statutory Adjustments: Congress approves changes in pay for federal judges and justices
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Cost-of-Living Considerations: Salaries may be adjusted modestly over time to reflect inflation
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Years of Service: While base salary does not increase automatically with tenure, additional benefits accrue over time
US Supreme Court Justice Current Salary Structure (2025)
| Position | Base Annual Salary (USD) | Monthly Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Justice of the US | $298,500 | $24,875 | Highest-ranking judicial officer |
| Associate Justice of the US | $285,500 | $23,792 | Equal pay among associates |
Note: These figures reflect congressional-approved salary rates for 2025.
US Supreme Court Justice Allowances and Benefits
While Supreme Court justices receive a substantial salary, they are also entitled to various allowances and benefits that enhance their overall compensation package:
1. Housing and Relocation
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Justices may receive housing allowances if relocation is required
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Travel and relocation assistance is provided for moves to Washington D.C.
2. Healthcare Benefits
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Full access to Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)
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Coverage includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
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Justices and dependents are fully covered, including for specialized treatments
3. Retirement and Pension Plans
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Justices are eligible for the Federal Judicial Retirement System
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Full pension after serving a combination of years and age (Rule of 80: age + years of service = 80)
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Pension is calculated as a percentage of their final salary, usually between 50–80%
4. Travel Allowances
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Official travel for court sessions, conferences, or ceremonial duties is reimbursed
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Domestic travel allowances are included for work-related trips outside Washington D.C.
5. Staff and Office Allowances
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Justices are provided with clerical, research, and administrative support
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Office expenses, research assistants, and legal clerks are covered under court budgets
6. Professional Development and Conferences
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Attendance at legal conferences and seminars may be funded
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Continuing legal education is available, although most justices maintain their expertise through casework
Comparison with Other Federal Judges
| Judicial Position | Base Salary (2025 USD) |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Chief Justice | $298,500 |
| Supreme Court Associate Justice | $285,500 |
| Federal Court of Appeals Judge | $218,600 |
| District Court Judge | $208,000 |
Observation: Supreme Court salaries are significantly higher than other federal judges, reflecting the unique responsibilities and prestige of the position.
Factors Influencing Supreme Court Compensation
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Congressional Appropriations: Salaries are approved by legislation and may adjust annually
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Inflation: Adjustments may be made to align compensation with the national cost of living
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Performance Not Required for Pay: Base salaries are fixed and independent of case outcomes
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Tenure and Retirement Considerations: Pension benefits increase with service duration
Career Progression and Benefits
Entry and Appointment
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Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
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Most justices have prior experience as federal judges, legal scholars, or attorneys general
Longevity and Retirement
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Justices serve lifetime appointments, which allows long-term accumulation of pension and benefits
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Retirement options depend on age and years of service
Post-Retirement Benefits
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Retired justices continue to receive pension benefits, office support, and travel allowances for official duties
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the salary of a Supreme Court Justice in 2025?
Chief Justice: $298,500; Associate Justice: $285,500 -
Do justices receive housing allowances?
Yes, relocation or housing assistance is available for those moving to D.C. -
Are justices eligible for federal retirement benefits?
Yes, including pensions through the Federal Judicial Retirement System -
Do they receive healthcare benefits?
Yes, full coverage under FEHBP for themselves and dependents -
How are salaries determined?
Congress sets and approves the salaries through annual appropriations -
Do justices earn additional income from lectures or books?
External income may be limited or disclosed under ethics rules -
Are Supreme Court salaries subject to state taxes?
Yes, federal salaries are taxable, and state taxes depend on residency -
Do justices receive travel allowances?
Yes, for official travel and court-related duties -
What benefits continue after retirement?
Pension, office support, and travel allowances for official engagements -
How do Supreme Court salaries compare to other judges?
They are significantly higher, reflecting lifetime service, responsibilities, and influence
Conclusion
The US Supreme Court justice salary and allowance structure in 2025 reflects the prestige, responsibility, and expertise required for the nation’s highest judicial office. With a base salary of $285,500–$298,500, extensive benefits including healthcare, pension, travel, and staff support, justices enjoy one of the most secure and prestigious positions in the United States.
Understanding the structure of compensation helps legal professionals, scholars, and the public appreciate the financial and professional context of Supreme Court service. Lifetime tenure, comprehensive benefits, and high salary ensure that justices can focus on delivering impartial, constitutional justice for the nation.