How much do the people working alongside Donald Trump earn, and who are the highest-paid members of the White House staff?
The answers are contained in the White House's annual payroll report to Congress, which details staff compensation for 2026.
According to the report, as of 1 July 2026, the White House workforce consisted of 411 people, including 365 White House employees and 46 staff detailed from other federal agencies. The average annual salary among paid staff was $115,513.
Who earns the highest salaries?
At the top of the pay scale are nine detailed employees, each earning $197,200 per year.
Close behind, with annual salaries of $195,200, are several of President Trump's closest aides, including:
- Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff.
- Stephen Miller, a senior adviser on policy and homeland security issues.
- Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary.
- Peter Navarro, adviser on trade and industrial policy.
- William Scharf, White House staff secretary.
Pay levels vary considerably across the administration, with employees in administrative, technical and support positions receiving substantially lower salaries.
The 10 staff members with no White House salary
The report also shows that 10 individuals receive no salary from the White House.
That does not necessarily mean they work without compensation. Some are paid through other government departments or agencies, while others serve in advisory roles without receiving White House pay.
Among those listed in this category is Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser.
How much does Trump make?
The salary of the US president is set by law at $400,000 per year, equivalent to roughly $33,333 per month.
The position also comes with a $50,000 annual expense allowance to help cover costs associated with presidential duties.
However, Trump has said he does not keep his presidential salary.
On 30 September 2026, he stated publicly that, as during his first term, he donates his salary. He said that during his second term the funds are being directed towards the maintenance and preservation of the White House.
While donations of presidential salary during Trump's first term are documented, claims regarding the full donation of his second-term salary have not been independently verified through detailed public financial records.
In any case, the presidential salary represents only a small part of Trump's overall financial picture, as the US president maintains substantial business interests and income sources outside politics.
