Key Takeaways:
- 956 federal employees earned more than the President’s $400,000 salary in 2024.
- The President’s salary has stayed the same since 2001.
- Most high earners are doctors at the Veterans Health Administration.
- One doctor earned a record $519,246, topping even Dr. Anthony Fauci’s past records.
- These earners are spread across 48 states, with California leading.
- This number has grown rapidly since 2019, raising concerns about salary trends.
Over 900 Federal Workers Earn More Than the President in 2024
In 2024, a staggering 956 federal employees outearned the President of the United States, who makes $400,000 annually. This number, the highest since records began in 2010, highlights a growing trend in federal salaries.
Who Makes More Than the President?
The majority of these high earners are medical officers at the Veterans Health Administration, with 939 exceeding the President’s salary. Four dentists also made the list. Notably, Micah Nix, an ER doctor at the Indian Health Service, and an unnamed Bureau of Prisons employee also earned more than $400,000.
High Earners at NIH
At the National Institutes of Health, 15 doctors surpassed the President’s salary. Gary Gibbons, director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, earned a record $519,246. This surpasses Dr. Anthony Fauci’s 2022 record of $480,654.
Where These Employees Work
These high earners are spread across 48 states. California leads with 162, followed by Florida and North Carolina. Maryland is home to five of the top six earners.
Rapid Growth in High Earners
From just three in 2019, the number of federal employees outearning the President jumped to 956 in 2024. This growth outpaces inflation, prompting questions about future trends.
Is This a Concern?
While these professionals play crucial roles, the rapid increase in salaries raises questions about when other professions might join their ranks.
Conclusion
The significant rise in federal salaries reflects the importance of these roles but also sparks concerns about equity and budget management. As salaries continue to climb, the future of federal pay structures remains uncertain.