The White House is the center of U.S. executive leadership. A wide range of staff play essential roles in policy, communications, operations, and administration. In 2025, the salary structure for White House staff reflects federal pay rules, Executive Office guidelines, and transparency requirements. This article offers a full and updated* breakdown of White House staff salaries in 2025. We will cover every major job title, salary level, how pay is set, and the benefits tied to these positions.
How White House Staff Salaries Are Determined
White House salaries are governed by federal pay laws and executive branch rules:
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Pay Caps: Staff salaries cannot exceed the level of Cabinet Secretaries or senior executive pay, per federal law.
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Schedule C and Executive Office Pay: Many White House positions are classified under Schedule C or as part of the Executive Office of the President (EOP). These roles often have set maximum pay levels established annually.
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Office Budgets & Appointments: Each White House office, such as Communications or National Security, has a staff budget and maximum salary range.
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Congressional Transparency: White House staff salaries are publicly disclosed yearly to meet transparency laws.
Pay is then assigned by position, seniority, and within allowed salary band.
2025 White House Staff Salary Overview
Here is a summary table of common White House positions and their estimated 2025 salary ranges. The ranges reflect federal pay caps, published disclosure bands, and typical assignments.
| Role / Title | Estimated Salary Range (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| President | $450,000 (Fixed by law) | President of the U.S. |
| Vice President | $235,100 (Fixed by law) | Vice President of the U.S. |
| White House Chief of Staff | $200,000 – $250,000 | Senior aide managing White House operations |
| National Security Advisor | $170,000 – $220,000 | Advises President on national security |
| Press Secretary | $150,000 – $200,000 | Handles press briefings & media |
| Communications Director | $140,000 – $180,000 | Oversees communications policy |
| Senior Advisor | $160,000 – $210,000 | Advises on policy or politics |
| Deputy Chief of Staff | $180,000 – $220,000 | Assists Chief of Staff |
| Chief of Staff (Cabinet Departments) | $190,000 – $230,000 | Manages Cabinet-level office |
| Counsel to the President | $170,000 – $210,000 | White House legal advisor |
| Office Directors (EOP) | $130,000 – $170,000 | Leads policy, staff, or administration |
| Associate Director / Deputy Counsel | $120,000 – $150,000 | Senior support roles |
| Press Assistant | $70,000 – $100,000 | Supports press activities |
| Staff Assistant / Operations Support | $60,000 – $80,000 | Handles admin and logistics |
| Fellows / Interns | $40,000 – $50,000 | Entry-level staff or temporary posts |
This full list shows the salary ranges as of 2025 and reflects the wide span—from the highest-level staff down to entry-level appointees.
Detailed Role-by-Role Breakdown
President & Vice President
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President: Receives a fixed annual salary of $450,000, per law. This pay is separate from staff salaries.
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Vice President: Receives $235,100, also set by law.
While beyond the staff pay structure, these positions set the context for salary limits on White House staff.
Chief of Staff
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Salary Range: $200,000 – $250,000
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Role: The Chief of Staff manages all White House operations, coordinates with departments and agencies, manages scheduling, and advises the President on strategy. They oversee the White House staff hierarchy and ensure efficient function.
Deputy Chief of Staff
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Salary Range: $180,000 – $220,000
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Role: Assists the Chief of Staff. May supervise staff offices, manage internal coordination, and lead on specific policy portfolios.
National Security Advisor
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Salary Range: $170,000 – $220,000
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Role: Offers direct counsel to the President on national security, oversees the National Security Council, and works with defense and foreign agencies to implement policy.
Counsel to the President
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Salary Range: $170,000 – $210,000
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Role: Serves as the President’s chief legal advisor, reviews legislation, overlooks ethics considerations, and liaises with Department of Justice and legislative backers.
Senior Advisor
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Salary Range: $160,000 – $210,000
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Role: Senior Advisors handle specific policy portfolios, messaging strategy, or political outreach. They advise the President or Chief of Staff.
Press Secretary
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Salary Range: $150,000 – $200,000
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Role: Manages daily press briefings, handles media inquiries, and serves as a spokesperson for White House policy.
Communications Director
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Salary Range: $140,000 – $180,000
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Role: Develops messaging strategy, coordinates with press office, and shapes official communications.
Office Directors (Executive Office of the President)
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Salary Range: $130,000 – $170,000
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Role: Leads policy or administrative offices such as the Office of Management and Budget, Council of Economic Advisers, or White House Staff Offices.
Associate Directors / Deputy Counsel
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Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000
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Role: Support senior directors and Counselor offices with drafting memos, legal reviews, or overseeing special programs.
Press Assistants
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Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000
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Role: Assist Press Secretary and Communications staff—draft press materials, manage press logistics, and support daily operations.
Staff Assistants / Operations Support
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Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000
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Role: Provide logistical and administrative support across White House offices. Handle travel, scheduling, reception, and office coordination.
Fellows / Interns
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Salary Range: $40,000 – $50,000
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Role: Temporary roles, often early-career, assisting with research, writing, and project tasks.
Allowances and Benefits for White House Staff
White House staff receive strong benefits typical of federal Executive Office positions:
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Health Insurance: Through FEHB (Federal Employee Health Benefits)
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Retirement: FERS pension system with Social Security + TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)
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Life Insurance: FEGLI (Federal Employee Group Life Insurance)
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Paid Leave: Annual leave accruals, sick leave, and federal holidays
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Travel Perks: Official travel and lodging for duty-related assignments
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Security: Secure work environment, electronic access, and legal protections
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Professional Development: Access to policy briefings, training seminars, and leadership exposure
Comparison with Other Federal Pay Structures
White House staff salaries differ from standard federal pay structures such as:
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GS Chart: Regular federal employees fall under GS pay grades. Many White House staff fall outside that and are paid via Schedule C or Executive Schedule bands.
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Cabinet Secretaries: Typically earn around $210,000. White House staff salary caps often stay below these levels.
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Congressional Staff: Can have varying pay levels depending on position and office but typically don’t reach the White House senior advisor pay.
Factors Influencing Salary Variation
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Position Seniority: Senior appointees (Chief of Staff, Counsel) earn top-end salaries.
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Office Budget: Each White House office has salary restrictions.
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Candidate Experience: Trusted professionals with track record may earn toward top of range.
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Role Complexity: Policy-heavy or high-visibility roles often pay more.
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Transparency and Equitability: Salaries offered must be justified and equitable across similar roles.
Entry Requirements & Hiring Process
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Appointments: Most senior staff are politically appointed by the President or Chief of Staff.
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Schedule C Designation: Many roles are political appointees under Schedule C, not career civil service.
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Background Checks: All staff undergo background security and, in some cases, lifestyle reviews.
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Qualifications: Senior roles typically require advanced experience, often in law, policy, communications, or governance.
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Fellows/Interns: Selected via application programs, often with academic or professional credentials.
Career Progression within the White House
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Start as a Fellow or Staff Assistant
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Progress to Press Assistant, Associate Director, or Deputy Counsel
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Reach senior roles such as Press Secretary, Senior Advisor, or Office Director
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Some transition to Cabinet-level agencies, private sector, or think tanks after White House service
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the highest paid staff position in the White House besides President & VP?
The Chief of Staff often receives the highest salary among staff, up to around $250,000. -
Do White House staff get locality pay?
No. White House pay structures use fixed salary bands not tied to locality. -
Are interns paid?
Yes, paid between $40,000–$50,000 annually depending on assignment. -
Can salary ranges at the White House change mid-year?
Changes are rare, but adjustments may occur with revised Office directives or new appointments. -
Are White House staff paid overtime?
Staff are generally exempt from overtime; workload is covered under salary. -
Do salaries differ between Offices (e.g., OMB vs. Press Office)?
Slightly—depending on budget and level of responsibility, but all follow pay caps. -
How does one become a White House staffer?
Via political appointment, fellowship programs, or as promoted from other federal or policy roles. -
What benefits do they receive?
Standard federal benefits: health, retirement (FERS), paid leave, life insurance, and travel support. -
Do White House staff get bonuses?
Bonuses are unusual. Occasionally awards or recognition pay may apply. -
Can a staffer’s salary exceed a Cabinet Secretary’s pay?
No. Salaries must remain below levels set for Cabinet Secretaries.
Conclusion
The White House Staff Salary Structure – Full List (2025 Update) shows a carefully balanced system. Salary bands span from around $40,000 for interns up to $250,000 for Chief of Staff, with strict caps, transparency, and defined roles.
Understanding these salaries offers insight into how the Executive Branch manages talent, ensures equity, and incentivizes performance. For readers planning careers in public service, policy, or communications, this guide offers clarity on expectations and progression.
As a next step, explore official White House staff disclosure documents, or compare with the salary structures of Congressional or Cabinet staff to broaden your understanding.