In numerous states the top executive position does not guarantee the highest earnings.

As voters in 36 states prepare to select new governors during November midterms, yearly pay for the role differs sharply nationwide, ranging from 70,000 dollars in Maine to more than 250,000 dollars in Pennsylvania.

The average official yearly compensation for governors in all 50 states stands at 174,479 dollars and faces federal plus state income taxes, except in states that lack income tax such as Florida and Texas.

In contrast the top 1 percent of American earners receive at least 731,492 dollars annually, positioning the typical governor beneath the wealthiest yet comfortably above the national average wage of 69,846 dollars in 2024 according to Social Security Administration figures.

Governors in every state may generally receive extra income from investments, book contracts and additional avenues, yet such earnings face strict oversight with regulations that differ by state.

Certain leaders including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have collected more than 1 million dollars in a year from book royalties, while others such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker obtain eight-figure sums from investment returns and even casino winnings.

Consequently some governors including Pritzker and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who possess substantial personal wealth, have elected to waive their six-figure state salaries.

In addition to base pay further benefits often include residence in the official mansion, state-provided private travel and support from security personnel plus administrative staff.

Review the yearly earnings for each governor drawn from the latest state documents, salary panels, statutes and public payroll information.

50. Maine

Governor: Janet Mills (Democrat)

Salary: 70,000 dollars

Maine Governor Janet Mills receives the smallest salary among all US governors at 70,000 dollars.

Legislation will increase the salary for the incoming governor to 125,000 dollars in 2027, representing the first adjustment since 1987.

Mills has reached term limits after two terms. Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles will compete to become the next governor in the November midterm contest.

49. Arizona

Governor: Katie Hobbs (Democrat)

Salary: 95,000 dollars

The Arizona governor holds the second-lowest salary and will qualify for 165,000 dollars beginning in 2027 under legislative action.

Democrat Katie Hobbs seeks a second term in the November midterm election.

48. Oregon

Governor: Tina Kotek (Democrat)

Salary: 98,600 dollars

State law fixes the governor salary at 98,600 dollars and supplies an extra 1,000-dollar monthly expense allowance, ranking among the lowest nationwide.

Democrat Tina Kotek campaigns for reelection seeking a second term during the November midterms.

47. Nebraska

Governor: Jim Pillen (Republican)

Salary: 105,000 dollars

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen earned 105,000 dollars annually in 2025 according to the state legislature and ranks as the fourth-lowest-paid governor.

Republican Jim Pillen runs for a second term in the November midterm elections.

46. South Carolina

Governor: Henry McMaster (Republican)

Salary: 106,078 dollars

The South Carolina governor earns 106,078 dollars in 2025 per state records and holds the fifth-lowest salary.

McMaster has completed two full terms and faces term limits. Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson will vie for the position in the midterm election.

45. New Mexico

Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat)

Salary: 110,000 dollars

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham ranks sixth-lowest in pay. The next governor will receive 169,714 dollars starting in 2027.

Lujan Grisham reaches term limits after two terms. Democrat Deb Haaland and Republican Gregg Hull compete to replace her in the November midterm election.

43. (tie) Louisiana

Governor: Jeff Landry (Republican)

Salary: 130,000 dollars

Louisiana law established the governor salary at 130,000 dollars in 2026, unchanged since January 2008.

43. (tie) Iowa

Governor: Kim Reynolds (Republican)

Salary: 130,000 dollars

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds receives 130,000 dollars each year per official state employee salary records.

Reynolds does not seek reelection, so Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn compete for the open seat in the November midterms.

42. Colorado

Governor: Jared Polis (Democrat)

Salary: 134,632 dollars

The Colorado governor salary rose to 134,632 dollars in 2023 under state statute after previously ranking among the lowest.

Polis reaches term limits after nearly eight years. Democrat Phil Weiser and Republican Victor Marx compete to become the next governor in the November midterm.

41. Alabama

Governor: Kay Ivey (Republican)

Salary: 134,780 dollars

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey received 134,780 dollars in fiscal year 2026 according to the Department of Finance.

Ivey reaches term limits after two full terms. Republican Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones compete for the next governor role in the midterm election.

40. Wyoming

Governor: Mark Gordon (Republican)

Salary: 140,000 dollars

Wyoming law sets the governor salary at 140,000 dollars in 2026.

Mark Gordon reaches term limits after two terms, leaving Republican Eric Barlow and Democrat Kenneth Casner to compete for governor in the November midterm election.

39. Florida

Governor: Ron DeSantis (Republican)

Salary: 141,400 dollars

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earns 141,400 dollars per year according to state records.

DeSantis reaches term limits after two terms. Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly compete for governor in the November midterms.

38. Montana

Governor: Greg Gianforte (Republican)

Salary: 141,517 dollars

Gianforte built wealth in technology and donates his salary to Montana nonprofits. In 2025 his office confirmed the full gubernatorial salary went to groups aiding residents in need.

37. Missouri

Governor: Mike Kehoe (Republican)

Salary: 145,095 dollars

Missouri law fixes the governor salary at 145,095 dollars as of 2026.