A Breakdown of Governor Salaries Across All States

Salary Range of State Governors: The annual salaries of state governors in the U.S. vary significantly, with the lowest being $70,000 in Maine and the highest at $250,000 in New York, leading to an average salary of $167,128 across all states in 2025.

Income Beyond Salary: Many governors can earn additional income through investments and book deals, with some, like Florida's Ron DeSantis, earning over $1 million annually, while others, such as Illinois' JB Pritzker, choose to forgo their state salaries due to their wealth.

Financial Perks of Governorship: In addition to their salaries, governors may receive benefits such as living in the governor's mansion, state-funded transportation, and security, which can enhance their overall compensation package.

Comparison with Average Earnings: While governors earn significantly more than the average U.S. wage of $69,846, they still fall below the top 1% of earners, who make at least $731,492 annually, highlighting the disparity between public service salaries and ultra-wealthy individuals.