Ever wondered what the top law enforcement official in the U.S. earns—or why it matters to taxpayers? You’re not alone.
Understanding how much the U.S. Attorney General (AG) makes isn’t just a matter of curiosity—it’s about transparency, accountability, and how public funds are used. As the leader of the Department of Justice and a central figure in upholding federal law, the Attorney General holds one of the most potent and visible roles in government.
So, how much does the Attorney General take home? What kind of benefits come with the position? And how does that salary compare to other top-ranking officials?
In this article, we’ll break it all down—from the current salary and perks to how the pay is set and why it sparks public interest. You’ll also see how the AG’s compensation stacks against the President, Vice President, and private-sector attorneys.
Let’s dive into what the U.S. Attorney General earns—and why it matters.
Who Is the U.S. Attorney General?
The U.S. Attorney General (AG) heads the Department of Justice and the federal government’s top law enforcement officer, a role explored in depth by The Washington Post. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the AG ensures federal laws are upheld, provides legal guidance to the President and executive departments, and oversees the fair administration of justice.
Key Duties of the Attorney General
- Overseeing Federal Law Enforcement: The AG directs major agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, ensuring they enforce federal laws effectively and protect national security.
- Advising the President and Cabinet: As the chief legal advisor, the AG shapes policies and ensures executive actions align with the law.
- Representing the U.S. in Court: The AG defends the government’s interests in significant legal cases, sometimes even arguing before the Supreme Court in high-stakes matters.
- Shaping Legal Policies: The AG drives national reforms on issues like civil rights, antitrust laws, and criminal justice through the Department of Justice.
Interestingly, the AG holds the seventh spot in the presidential line of succession, highlighting the role’s importance in the executive branch.
Understanding these wide-ranging responsibilities highlights why the Attorney General’s compensation sparks public curiosity and debate.
U.S. Attorney General Salary: The Numbers
Understanding the U.S. Attorney General’s compensation shows how the federal government values this critical role. Below, we break down the salary and benefits and how it’s determined as of January 2025.
U.S. Attorney General Compensation Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $250,600 annually (as of January 2025, Level I of the Executive Schedule) |
| Pay System | Executive Schedule Level I, set by Congress with potential annual adjustments for cost of living |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) with multiple plan options |
| Retirement Plans | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching |
| Leave | 13 days annual leave (increases with tenure) + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Additional Benefits | Life insurance, dental/vision coverage, long-term care insurance, flexible spending accounts |
| Other Perks | Possible security details or official residences (based on role demands) |
Salary Comparison with Other Top U.S. Officials:
| Position | Annual Salary (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Attorney General | $250,600 | Level I of Executive Schedule |
| President | $400,000 | Fixed salary, includes $50,000 expense allowance |
| Vice President | $255,800 | Slightly above Level I |
| Cabinet Secretaries | $250,600 | Same as AG (Level I) |
| Members of Congress | $174,000 | Lower tier, set by separate legislation |
| Supreme Court Justices | $309,000 (Associate), $320,000 (Chief) | Judicial pay scale, higher than Level I |
How the Attorney General’s Salary Is Determined?
The Attorney General’s pay falls under the Executive Schedule, a tiered system for federal executives. Level I, the highest tier, includes top officials like the Attorney General and Cabinet secretaries—State, Defense, and Treasury. Congress sets these salaries and can adjust them yearly to keep up with rising costs or economic shifts.
Benefits and Perks
Beyond the base salary, the Attorney General enjoys a robust benefits package standard for federal employees:
- Health Insurance: Options through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, with various plans.
- Retirement Plans: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System, which bundles a pension, Social Security, and a Thrift Savings Plan with matching contributions.
- Leave: Starts with 13 days of vacation (more with time served) plus 13 days of sick leave each year.
- Extras: Access to life insurance, dental and vision plans, long-term care coverage, and flexible spending accounts.
Some high-ranking officials might also get perks like security details or official housing, depending on the job’s demands and safety needs.
How Does the AG’s Pay Compare?
To get a sense of the U.S. Attorney General’s $250,600 salary (as of 2025), let’s see how it measures up against other government bigwigs and private-sector legal stars.
Salaries in Government
The Attorney General’s pay matches other Cabinet members, but it varies across government roles. Here’s a snapshot:
Table: 2025 Salaries of Top U.S. Officials
| Position | Estimated Salary | Why It’s Different |
|---|---|---|
| President | $400,000 | Top job, includes extras like allowances |
| Vice President | $261,400 | Slightly higher for added duties |
| Attorney General | $250,600 | Standard Cabinet pay (Level I) |
| Other Cabinet Members | $250,600 | Matches AG at Level I |
| Members of Congress | $174,000 | Lower tier, separate system |
| Supreme Court Justices | $285,400 – $298,500 | Higher for lifetime judicial role |
- Cabinet Parity: The AG earns the same as secretaries of State or Defense—all pegged at Executive Schedule Level I.
- Vice President Edge: The VP gets a bit more, thanks to the role’s constitutional weight and extra responsibilities.
- Judicial Boost: Supreme Court Justices outearn the AG, reflecting their lifelong tenure and constitutional duties.
Private Sector Contrast
Before becoming AG, many appointees raked in big bucks in private law:
- Big Law Partners: Top lawyers at major firms often pocket over $1 million a year—some even hit several million.
- Corporate Counsel: Legal chiefs at Fortune 500 companies can earn $500,000 to $3 million+, especially with bonuses and stock.
Why Take the Pay Cut?
So why swap a million-dollar gig for $250,600?
- Public Service: A chance to shape national laws and serve the country.
- Prestige: The AG role carries massive visibility and influence in American justice.
- Legacy: It’s a springboard to federal judgeships, teaching gigs, or elite legal roles later on.
What’s Behind the AG’s Pay?
The Attorney General’s $250,600 salary might be set in stone, but it stirs up bigger questions about fairness, ethics, and openness in public service.
Is the AG’s Pay Fair?
Debate swirls around whether $250,600 fits the Attorney General’s massive role:
- They manage thousands of staff, from prosecutors to federal agents.
- They shape policies on crime, civil rights, and antitrust that touch every American.
- They tackle high-stakes legal calls under intense pressure.
Some say it’s too little for such responsibility—especially next to private lawyers earning millions. Others insist public servants shouldn’t chase big paychecks, arguing the job’s value lies beyond dollars.
The “Revolving Door” Debate
A thornier issue is the “revolving door”—when former AGs cash in after leaving office:
- Next Steps: Many land cushy gigs at top law firms, corporate boards, or in media.
- Ethical Risks: Critics fear this tempts AGs to favor future employers while in office, especially on regulations.
No rules ban these moves, but they spark ethical scrutiny from watchdogs and journalists.
Transparency in Action
Unlike private pay, the AG’s compensation is an open book:
- Public Records: Cabinet salaries show up in annual federal reports and White House budgets.
- Media Watch: News outlets keep tabs on what top officials earn.
- Why It Matters: Open access lets taxpayers see how their money funds government leaders.
Conclusion
So, how much does the U.S. Attorney General make? As of 2025, the base salary is $250,600, and the AG receives a robust package of federal benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and leave entitlements. That compensation places the AG on par with other Cabinet members but well below the President and private-sector legal elites.
But the number alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Attorney General plays a critical role in shaping the nation’s legal landscape, from overseeing federal law enforcement to advising the President on matters of justice. It’s a position of enormous influence—and often, enormous scrutiny. The job’s significance explains why salary discussions are more than just dollar figures; they’re about value, accountability, and public trust.
