Here’s how much the governor makes in every state
In a recent analysis of state governors’ salaries across the United States, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has emerged as the highest-paid governor, earning an impressive $250,000 annually. This figure significantly exceeds the national average governor’s salary of $167,128 for 2025. The salary range for governors varies widely from state to state; for instance, Maine’s Governor Janet Mills earns the lowest at just $70,000. This disparity highlights not only the differences in state budgets and priorities but also the varying political landscapes that influence compensation for these public officials.
The earnings of governors can be further complicated by additional income sources such as investments, book deals, and other ventures, although these are subject to strict regulations that differ by state. For example, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has reportedly earned over $1 million from book royalties, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is part of a wealthy family, has opted to forgo his state salary of $205,700. In contrast, some governors, like Connecticut’s Ned Lamont, who is independently wealthy, have chosen to waive their salaries altogether, opting instead to rely on personal wealth accrued from investments and business ventures. This nuanced landscape of governor salaries not only reflects the financial remuneration of state leaders but also serves as a lens through which to examine the socio-economic dynamics at play in each state.
Overall, as governors navigate their roles amidst a backdrop of varying salaries and financial regulations, the discussion around their compensation continues to evolve. The earnings of these public officials are not just a reflection of their responsibilities but also of the economic realities facing their states. As states like Florida prepare to potentially raise their governor’s salary to $251,414 in 2027, the ongoing conversation about the appropriateness and equity of these salaries remains pertinent in the broader context of public service and governance in America.
Kathy Hochul is the highest-paid governor in the US.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The annual salaries of state governors vary, with the lowest being $70,000 in Maine.
Kathy Hochul, Gavin Newsom, and Josh Shapiro are among the highest-paid US governors.
The average annual salary for a state governor is $167,128 in 2025.
In some states, being the governor doesn’t automatically make you a
top earner
.
There’s a wide range in what
state governors
earn each year, from $70,000 in Maine to $250,000 in New York.
Across all 50 states, governors earn an average official annual salary of $167,128 and are subject to federal and state income taxes, except in states without them, such as Florida or Texas.
By comparison, the
top 1%
of US earners each make at least $731,492 a year, placing the average governor below the ultrarich but also well above the average US wage of $69,846 in 2024, according to the
Social Security Administration
.
While governors across all 50 states are generally allowed to earn money beyond their state salary through investments, book deals, and other sources, the income they’re permitted to take in is closely regulated, and rules vary by state.
Some, like Florida’s Ron DeSantis, have brought in yearly incomes of over $1 million thanks to
book royalties
, while others, like Illinois’ JB Pritzker, earn
eight figures
due to investment gains and even gambling wins.
As such, some governors, like Pritzker and Connecticut’s Ned Lamont, who are independently wealthy, have chosen to forgo their
six-figure salaries
from the state.
Beyond the salary, other financial perks of being a governor may include living in
the governor’s mansion
, receiving private transportation from the state, and having access to security and staff.
See how much your governor makes every year, as determined by state legislatures.
Alabama
Stew Milne/Getty Images
Governor
: Kay Ivey (Republican)
Salary
: $131,800
Alaska
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Mike Dunleavy (Republican)
Salary
: $176,000
Arizona
Rebecca Noble/Getty Images
Governor
: Katie Hobbs (Democrat)
Salary
: $95,000
The Arizona governor, which has the second-lowest salary out of all US governors, will be eligible for a salary of $165,000 starting in 2027, per the
state legislature
.
Arkansas
Leon Neal/Getty Images
Governor
: Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican)
Salary
: $166,771
California
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Governor
: Gavin Newsom (Democrat)
Salary
: $242,295
As of December 2024, the
California Department of Human Resources
listed the governor’s salary as $242,295, making Gavin Newsom the third-highest paid governor in the US.
Colorado
CHET STRANGE/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Jared Polis (Democrat)
Salary
: $134,632
The Colorado governor, previously one of the lowest-paid governors in the nation, has received a $134,632 salary since 2023, as outlined by
state law
. It is now the 11th-lowest governor’s salary across all states.
Connecticut
Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Ned Lamont (Democrat)
Salary
: $226,711 (forgone)
Although the
State of Connecticut
sets the governor’s salary as $226,711, the independently wealthy Ned Lamont has chosen to forgo the salary during his gubernatorial run. Lamont made his money in telecommunications and investments, and is the great-grandson of Thomas W. Lamont, a former chair of J. P. Morgan & Co. who built substantial wealth in banking.
The state has the fifth-highest salary for a governor in the US.
Delaware
Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
Governor
: Matt Meyer (Democrat)
Salary
: $185,096
From July 2025 until 2029, the salary for the governor of Delaware is $185,096, per the
state legislature
.
Florida
GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Ron DeSantis (Republican)
Salary
: $141,400
The Florida governor makes $141,400 each year, although the
Florida state legislature
has approved a raise to $251,414 for the office starting in 2027, which would make the Florida governor the highest paid in the nation, if other high-paying states do not also increase their salaries.
Georgia
Alex Wroblewski for the Washington Post
Governor
: Brian Kemp (Republican)
Salary
: $182,000
While Georgia Governor Brian Kemp currently earns $182,000 a year, a recent proposal could tie him with New York Governor Kathy Hochul as the highest-paid in the nation, as reported by the
Associated Press
.
Hawaii
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Josh Green (Democrat)
Salary
: $184,860
Idaho
Darin Oswald/The Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Brad Little (Republican)
Salary
: $151,400
Illinois
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Governor
: Jay Robert “JB” Pritzker (Democrat)
Salary
: $205,700 (foregone)
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a member of the Pritzker family that owns the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, has chosen to forgo his salary. The state has set the governor’s salary at $205,700 as of 2023, per the
Illinois General Assembly
, making the position the ninth-highest paid governor in the US.
Indiana
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Governor
: Mike Braun (Republican)
Salary
: $220,418
Indiana governor Mike Braun, who makes $220,418 each year per the
Indiana state government
, is the sixth-highest-paid governor in the US.
Iowa
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Governor
: Kim Reynolds (Republican)
Salary
: $130,000
Kansas
Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
Governor
: Laura Kelly (Democrat)
Salary
: $110,707
Kentucky
Stephen Cohen/Getty Images
Governor
: Andy Beshear (Democrat)
Salary
: $184,826
Louisiana
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Governor
: Jeff Landry (Republican)
Salary
: $129,394
Maine
Staff photo by Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
Governor
: Janet Mills (Democrat)
Salary
: $70,000
With a salary of $70,000, Maine governor Janet Mills is the lowest-paid governor in the US.
Maryland
Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Wes Moore (Democrat)
Salary
: $192,000
As of his third year as Maryland governor, per the
state legislature
, Wes Moore has a salary of $192,000, making him the 10th-highest paid US governor.
Massachusetts
Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Governor
: Maura Healey (Democrat)
Salary
: $222,185
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey received a salary of $222,185 in 2024, per the
Office of the Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
, making hers the fifth-highest governor’s salary in the US.
Michigan
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Governor
: Gretchen Whitmer (Democrat)
Salary
: $159,300
Minnesota
DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Tim Walz (Democrat)
Salary
: $174,775 (although Walz accepts $127,629)
The Minnesota governor’s official salary is $174,775 as of July 1, 2025, and will increase to $200,000 in July 2026, per the
Minnesota Legislature
. However, Walz has repeatedly declined the raises and accepts the previous salary of $127,629.
“This is about the state workforce,” he said, as reported by the
Minnesota Star Tribune
in March. “I don’t want this to be an issue about the governor trying to pay himself. I think I’m compensated fairly by the state of Minnesota for the work I do at this point.”
Mississippi
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Governor
: Tate Reeves (Republican)
Salary
: $160,000
Missouri
Emily Curiel/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Mike Kehoe (Republican)
Salary
: $142,658
Montana
Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Governor
: Greg Gianforte (Republican)
Salary
: $141,517
Nebraska
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Jim Pillen (Republican)
Salary
: $105,000
Nebraska governor Jim Pillen, who earns $105,000 a year in 2025, per
state legislature
, is the fourth-lowest paid governor in the US.
Nevada
Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Joe Lombardo (Republican)
Salary
: $170,062
New Hampshire
Kayana Szymczak/Getty Images
Governor
: Kelly Ayotte (Republican)
Salary
: $163,510
New Jersey
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images
Governor
: Phil Murphy (Democrat)
Salary
: $175,000
Although the current New Jersey governor, Phil Murphy, earns $175,000 a year in 2025, the office he will vacate in 2026 is slated to receive a raise to $210,000, the
Associated Press
reported.
New Mexico
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Governor
: Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat)
Salary
: $110,000
New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is the sixth-lowest-paid governor in the US.
New York
Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Kathy Hochul (Democrat)
Salary
: $250,000
With a salary of $250,000 established by New York
law
, Kathy Hochul is the highest-paid governor in the US.
North Carolina
RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Josh Stein (Democrat)
Salary
: $203,073
North Carolina governor Josh Stein has a salary of $203,073 in 2025, making him one of the top-10 highest-paid governors in the US.
North Dakota
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Governor
: Kelly Armstrong (Republican)
Salary
: $163,107
Ohio
Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Governor
: Mike DeWine (Republican)
Salary
: $172,665
As of 2024, the Ohio governor, Mike DeWine, has a
salary
of $172,665.
Oklahoma
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Governor
: Kevin Stitt (Republican)
Salary
: $147,000
While the current Oklahoma governor, Kevin Stitt, has a salary of $147,000 in 2025, his successor will see a raise to $185,000, per
Oklahoma’s Journal Record
.
Oregon
Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images
Governor
: Tina Kotek (Democrat)
Salary
: $98,600
The Oregon governor takes home the third-lowest pay out of all governors.
Pennsylvania
Jason Ardan/The Citizens’ Voice via Getty Images
Governor
: Josh Shapiro (Democrat)
Salary
: $245,760
Shapiro received two raises since 2023, as shown in the state’s budget office
data
. In 2025, he makes a $245,760 salary, making him the second-highest-paid governor in the US.
Rhode Island
David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Governor
: Daniel McKee (Democrat)
Salary
: $163,295
South Carolina
Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Governor
: Henry McMaster (Republican)
Salary
: $106,078
With a salary of $106,078 in 2025, per
state records
, the South Carolina governor is the fifth-lowest-paid governor in the US.
South Dakota
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden makes $146,472 a year in 2025.
Toby Brusseau/AP
Governor
: Larry Rhoden (Republican)
Salary
: $146,472
Tennessee
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Governor
: Bill Lee (Republican)
Salary
: $204,336
The Book of the States lists the Tennessee governor’s salary at $204,336 as of 2023, which would be one of the top-10 highest governor salaries in the US, although
reports
by the Nashville Fox channel WZTV and watchdog organization OpenTheBooks have put the figure at $224,000 for current governor Bill Lee.
Texas
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Governor
: Greg Abbott (Republican)
Salary
: $153,750
As of 2021, Texas governor Greg Abbott makes $153,750 a year, per
state records
.
Utah
George Frey/Getty Images
Governor
: Spencer Cox (Republican)
Salary
: $182,900
Vermont
: John Lazenby/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Governor
: Phil Scott (Republican)
Salary
: $234,379
Vermont governor Phil Scott’s 2024 salary was $222,371, with the number rising to $234,379 in 2025, per the
Vermont General Assembly
.
Virginia
Sara Stathas for the Washington Post
Governor
: Glenn Youngkin (Republican)
Salary
: $175,000
Although the Virginia governor has a salary of $175,000, the independently wealthy Glenn Youngkin has chosen to donate his earnings each quarter, per
his office
.
Youngkin built his fortune during his 25 years working in private equity before running for state office. Between 2018 and his gubernatorial campaign in 2020, he served as the co-CEO of The Carlyle Group, an investment firm.
Washington
Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
Governor
: Bob Ferguson (Democrat)
Salary
: $218,744
West Virginia
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Governor
: Patrick Morrisey (Republican)
Salary
: $190,424
Starting in 2025, the West Virginia governor’s salary has been set to match the
US Office of Personnel Management
‘s locality pay area for the rest of US, per
state legislature
. That puts current governor Patrick Morrisey’s salary at $190,424.
Wisconsin
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Governor
: Tony Evers (Democrat)
Salary
: $175,802
Wyoming
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Governor
: Mark Gordon (Republican)
Salary
: $140,000
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