Secretary Of State Salary - What They Earn

This isn't just a random figure, of course. These payments for public officials, especially those in high-level roles, are often decided upon by legislative bodies, with regular adjustments made to help keep up with the cost of living. So, it's almost like a living wage that changes a little bit over time.

What someone in this role makes can actually vary quite a bit, depending on whether we're talking about a federal position or one at the state level. And, even within states, the exact duties can shift, which, you know, sometimes affects the pay packet.

Table of Contents

• What is a Typical Secretary of State Salary?
• What Makes a Secretary of State Salary Change?
• How Does the Secretary of State Salary Differ by State?
• Exploring the Secretary of State Salary in California
• Are There Unique Secretary of State Salary Situations in Other States?
• Understanding the Federal Secretary of State Salary
• Who Earns What - A Look at a Specific Secretary of State Salary
• Beyond the Numbers - What Does a Secretary of State Do?

What is a Typical Secretary of State Salary?

When we talk about the typical earnings for a Secretary of State across the United States, the figures can be, well, a little varied. One estimate suggests the usual yearly payment sits around $113,243. That particular survey showed annual incomes stretching from a rather modest $16,219 all the way up to a substantial $274,050. So, you can see, there's quite a spectrum there, which is interesting.

Another look at the numbers puts the estimated average yearly payment for a United States Secretary of State at roughly $111,914. For most people in this role, their pay packet is somewhere between $97,747 and $128,231 each year. It just goes to show that while there's an average, the actual money someone takes home can differ a fair bit.

It's also worth noting that, on average, the Department of State's overall compensation is about 13 percent higher than the typical pay across the USA. And, the middle point for their earnings, what we call the median salary, is about 6 percent higher than the USA's median. This really means that, generally speaking, people working within the Department of State tend to be compensated a little more generously than the general workforce.

What Makes a Secretary of State Salary Change?

The amount of money a Secretary of State earns isn't just a fixed sum; it can shift based on a few different things. For one, the specific state where the person works plays a big part. Some states, naturally, have higher costs of living or different budget priorities, which can influence what their public officials get paid.

Then there are the duties themselves. You know, some Secretaries of State are heavily involved in things like giving out business licenses or overseeing elections, which are pretty big jobs. Others might have a broader focus on general administration for their state. The scope of their responsibilities can, in some respects, directly affect the size of their yearly income.

It's like comparing different jobs with the same title but slightly different day-to-day tasks; the pay might not be exactly the same. So, when we talk about the secretary of state salary, it's never just one simple number, but rather a reflection of these varied roles and locations.

How Does the Secretary of State Salary Differ by State?

The compensation for a Secretary of State can really swing from one state to another. For instance, some research from the Zippia data science group looked into these figures across the United States. They found that California, for example, typically offers the highest earnings for a Secretary of State. That's a pretty interesting detail, don't you think?

In Florida, the way state government officials are compensated is a bit different. Members might receive $175 for each day they work, for up to 60 days. They can also get additional money for expenses when they're not in session. So, it's not a straightforward annual salary like you might expect for every public official.

This variation shows that there isn't a single, uniform secretary of state salary that applies everywhere. Each state has its own way of handling the pay for these important public roles, reflecting their unique financial arrangements and, perhaps, the specific demands of the job within their borders.

Exploring the Secretary of State Salary in California

California, as we touched on, seems to be a place where the Secretary of State can earn a significant amount. The average yearly payment for a Secretary of State in California is about $141,447. This figure is pretty high compared to some other places.

Looking at some specific records, the average secretary of state salary in California is around $140,550. Most of the time, the pay for this kind of job in the Golden State is between $114,861 and $152,552. This gives you a good sense of what to expect if you're thinking about this kind of public service in California.

Public records for California also show that a Secretary of State recently received $154,875, which was an increase from the previous year. For comparison, the Controller and Treasurer in California each earned $165,200, also showing an increase. This just goes to show how the secretary of state salary is part of a larger compensation picture for state officials.

You can even find information on public, government employee salaries and pensions in California through various search tools. These resources sometimes reveal which employers offer the highest pay for these roles, as well as the highest-paid individuals in California for the Secretary of State position. It's all quite transparent, actually.

Are There Unique Secretary of State Salary Situations in Other States?

Yes, there are certainly some interesting setups in other states when it comes to the secretary of state salary. For instance, in both Alaska and Utah, the person holding the Secretary of State role is also considered the Lieutenant Governor. This means their compensation is tied to that dual position, which is a bit different from states where these are separate roles.

In Delaware, the functions that might typically fall under a Secretary of State are actually split between two different cabinet positions, specifically those related to health and social services. So, you know, the duties are divided, which could mean the pay structure is also quite distinct.

These examples really highlight how the title "Secretary of State" can cover a range of responsibilities and compensation structures across the country. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of job, which naturally influences the secretary of state salary.

Understanding the Federal Secretary of State Salary

When we talk about the federal level, the Secretary of State holds a very high-ranking position. This role is considered a "Level I" position within the Executive Schedule, which is a system that sets pay for senior government officials. As of January 2025, someone in this Level I role earns a yearly payment of $250,600. That's a pretty substantial figure, obviously.

The current Secretary of State, at the time of writing in 2025, receives an annual income of $235,600, according to information from the U.S. government. This shows that the pay for this particular federal role is quite consistent and publicly known. Vice presidents and other cabinet secretaries also have their earnings set by Congress, with annual cost of living adjustments, similar to how federal judges, including the chief justice, have their payments determined.

Who Earns What - A Look at a Specific Secretary of State Salary

It's always interesting to look at specific examples to put these numbers into perspective. For instance, people sometimes ask about what Marco Rubio makes as a State Secretary. As a State Secretary, Mr. Rubio earns $250,600 each year. This is a clear figure for a specific individual in a high-profile role.

At the time of this writing, there was also a question about whether Mr. Rubio was in debt. The information available suggests that, at that particular moment, he was not. This kind of detail, while not directly about the secretary of state salary, sometimes comes up when discussing public figures and their financial situations.

Beyond the Numbers - What Does a Secretary of State Do?

The job of a Secretary of State is quite varied, and this range of duties is actually a big reason why the secretary of state salary can differ so much. Some individuals in this position spend their time managing business registrations and ensuring fair elections, which are pretty big responsibilities for a state.

Other Secretaries of State might focus more broadly on the general administration of their state's government. This could involve overseeing various departments, handling public records, or managing official state documents. It's a role that really helps keep the machinery of state government running smoothly.

So, while the numbers about their earnings are certainly interesting, it's also worth considering the wide array of tasks and the significant public service that these individuals perform. The pay reflects, in a way, the importance and breadth of their contributions to their respective states and, for the federal role, to the entire country.