How Much Does the U.S. Secretary of State Make?

The U.S. Secretary of State is one of the most powerful and visible figures in American government—serving as the President's top foreign policy adviser and the nation's chief diplomat on the world stage. It's a job that requires constant travel, delicate negotiations, and deep knowledge of international affairs. From war zones to global summits, the Secretary is often the person shaping how the United States interacts with the rest of the world.

Over the last two decades, the position has been held by some of the most high-profile figures in modern politics. Hillary Clinton served under President Barack Obama, navigating the Arab Spring and the killing of Osama bin Laden. John Kerry followed, helping broker the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Rex Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil CEO, served under President Donald Trump before being replaced by CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who took a more hardline stance on China and Iran. Under President Joe Biden, Antony Blinken led U.S. foreign policy through the Afghanistan withdrawal and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Now, in President Donald Trump's second term, Marco Rubio serves as Secretary of State, bringing a hawkish foreign policy agenda with a sharp focus on countering China, ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, confronting authoritarian regimes, and reshaping America's global alliances.

Despite the immense responsibility and global spotlight, the Secretary of State's compensation is surprisingly modest compared to the private sector or even other high-ranking officials. So, how much does one of the most important people in Washington actually earn?

Current Secretary of State Salary (2025)

The Secretary of State earns an annual salary of $235,600, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. That makes the Secretary one of the highest-paid officials in the federal government, though still well behind the President ($400,000) and Vice President ($261,400).

The salary is set by Congress and is part of the Executive Schedule, a pay system for top federal officials. The Secretary of State occupies a Level I position—the highest level on the scale.

What Does the Secretary of State Actually Do?

The Secretary of State is far more than a figurehead. This role serves as the face of American diplomacy and is responsible for shaping U.S. foreign policy around the world. Their responsibilities include:

• Advising the President on all international matters
• Conducting negotiations and signing treaties on behalf of the U.S.
• Representing the U.S. in international organizations (like the UN or NATO)
• Overseeing embassies, consulates, and diplomatic staff worldwide
• Protecting American citizens abroad
• Issuing passports and visas
• Recommending ambassadors and foreign service appointments
• Promoting U.S. economic interests globally

The position ranks fourth in the presidential line of succession, behind the Vice President, Speaker of the House, and President pro tempore of the Senate.

Who Has Held the Role?

The position of U.S. Secretary of State dates back to 1789, when Thomas Jefferson became the first to hold the title. Since then, it has often served as a launchpad for future presidents—six Secretaries have gone on to become Commander-in-Chief, including James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams.

In modern times, the role has continued to attract prominent figures from across the political spectrum:

• Dean Acheson (1949–1953) helped design the post-World War II order and was instrumental in forming NATO.
• Henry Kissinger (1973–1977), one of the most controversial and influential diplomats in U.S. history, opened relations with China and shaped Cold War policy.
• George Shultz (1982–1989) played a major role in ending the Cold War during the Reagan administration.
• Madeleine Albright (1997–2001) became the first female Secretary of State, serving under President Bill Clinton.
• Colin Powell (2001–2005), the first African American Secretary, served under George W. Bush and made the case for the Iraq War at the United Nations.
• Condoleezza Rice (2005–2009), the first Black woman in the role, continued post-9/11 diplomacy through the remainder of the Bush administration.
• Hillary Clinton (2009–2013) tackled challenges like the Arab Spring and the raid that killed Osama bin Laden under President Obama.
• John Kerry (2013–2017) championed the Paris Climate Agreement and negotiated the Iran nuclear deal.
• Rex Tillerson (2017–2018), a former oil executive, had a brief and rocky tenure under President Trump.
• Mike Pompeo (2018–2021) brought a combative style to diplomacy, pushing a hard line on China and Iran.
• Antony Blinken (2021–2025) oversaw the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and deepened U.S. support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
• Marco Rubio (2025–present) now serves as Secretary of State under President Donald Trump in his second term, emphasizing a muscular foreign policy focused on confronting China, strengthening ties with Latin America, and pushing for sweeping reforms to international institutions.