Governor Salary by State 2025
State | Governor's Salary 2023↓ | |
|---|---|---|
 | New York | $250,000 |
 | Pennsylvania | $229,642 |
 | Connecticut | $226,711 |
 | California | $224,020 |
 | Massachusetts | $222,185 |
 | Illinois | $205,700 |
 | Tennessee | $204,336 |
 | Vermont | $201,136 |
 | Washington | $198,257 |
 | Hawaii | $184,860 |
 | Maryland | $184,000 |
 | Utah | $182,900 |
 | Georgia | $180,000 |
 | New Jersey | $175,000 |
 | Virginia | $175,000 |
 | Ohio | $171,059 |
 | Delaware | $171,000 |
 | Nevada | $170,062 |
 | North Carolina | $165,750 |
 | Wisconsin | $165,568 |
 | Kentucky | $164,355 |
 | Rhode Island | $163,295 |
 | Michigan | $159,300 |
 | Arkansas | $158,739 |
 | Texas | $153,750 |
 | Idaho | $151,400 |
 | West Virginia | $150,000 |
 | Oklahoma | $147,000 |
 | New Hampshire | $146,172 |
 | Alaska | $145,000 |
 | North Dakota | $143,646 |
 | Florida | $141,400 |
 | Missouri | $140,596 |
 | Wyoming | $140,000 |
 | South Dakota | $139,100 |
 | Indiana | $134,051 |
 | Alabama | $131,800 |
 | Iowa | $130,000 |
 | Minnesota | $127,629 |
 | Louisiana | $125,185 |
 | Mississippi | $122,160 |
 | Montana | $118,397 |
 | Kansas | $110,707 |
 | New Mexico | $110,000 |
 | South Carolina | $106,078 |
 | Nebraska | $105,000 |
 | Oregon | $98,600 |
 | Arizona | $95,000 |
 | Colorado | $90,000 |
 | Maine | $70,000 |
Governor salaries in the United States exhibit significant variation, reflecting diverse economic landscapes and regional disparities. In 2024, New York leads the pack with a salary of $250,000, a testament to its economic prominence and high cost of living in the East. California closely follows with a salary of $218,556, reflecting its status as a major economic powerhouse in the West. Conversely, states like Colorado offer more modest compensation, with governors earning $90,000, reflecting lower costs of living and budgetary constraints.
Economic factors, such as state prosperity and cost of living, heavily influence governor salaries. States with thriving economies and higher costs of living tend to offer more competitive compensation to attract top talent, while those facing budget limitations may offer more modest salaries. Additionally, regional disparities play a role, with Eastern states typically offering higher compensation compared to those in the Midwest or South.
Understanding these disparities is crucial for policymakers and voters alike. Competitive governor salaries ensure states can attract and retain skilled leadership, vital for effective governance. Moreover, equitable compensation reflects a commitment to fairness and accountability in state leadership. As states continue to navigate complex challenges, addressing factors influencing governor salaries remains essential to support effective governance and leadership across the nation.
