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How Much Are State Legislatures Across the Country Paid?

State legislature salaries across the United States can paint a picture of the nation’s governance landscape, reflecting the unique political cultures, economies, and priorities of each state. Legislators fall into three categories: full-time, part-time, or hybrid. Full-time lawmakers dedicate themselves entirely to their legislative duties. Part-time and hybrid models allow individuals to juggle their roles with other careers, fostering diverse viewpoints within the legislative process. 

The variation in salaries can be striking, influenced by factors such as the cost of living, state budgets, and the intricacies of local issues. For example, states like New York and California offer lucrative salaries designed to attract experienced professionals. In contrast, states like Texas and Idaho implement more modest compensation packages, which can encourage civic engagement but might limit legislative focus on complex matters. 

Per diem allowances, which reimburse legislators for expenses incurred during sessions, play a crucial role in overall compensation. These allowances help cover living and travel expenses, providing a vital financial buffer for lawmakers. Understanding these salary structures is essential for appreciating how effectively states can serve their constituents and respond to their needs. 

Texas

Texas
  • Salary: $7,200/year 
  • Status: Hybrid 
  • Per Diem: $221/day 

Texas offers a modest base salary of $7,200 annually for its legislators. They meet biennially for 140 days, starting in January of odd-numbered years. This low base pay has not changed since 1975, raising concerns about the ability of legislatures to make a fair wage while being able to engage fully with complex issues facing the state.  

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Kansas

Kansas
  • Salary: $86.66/session day 
  • Status: Part-time 
  • Per Diem: $166/day 

In Kansas, legislators earn $86.66 for each session day, with the legislature meeting for about 90 days from January to April. This base pay encourages civic engagement but may deter some candidates due to limited compensation. It requires lawmakers to balance their legislative duties with other careers, potentially impacting their legislative effectiveness while offering more unique perspectives from legislators.

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Idaho

Idaho
  • Salary: $19,913/year 
  • Status: Part-time 
  • Per Diem: $74/day  

Idaho legislators earn $19,913 annually, operating under a part-time salary structure. From January to April, they meet for about 90 days each year. This limited compensation may restrict the pool of candidates willing to run for office, but it encourages civic engagement from individuals who are passionate about public service. 

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Arizona

Arizona
  • Salary: $24,000/year 
  • Status: Hybrid 
  • Per Diem: $35/day

Arizona legislators earn $24,000, reflecting a hybrid model that allows for hybrid work. They meet for approximately 100 days, primarily from January to June. As Arizona navigates its political landscape, the effectiveness of its hybrid legislators hinges on their ability to balance multiple commitments while addressing the needs of their constituents. 

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Alaska

Alaska
  • Salary: $84,000/year 
  • Status: Full-time 
  • Per Diem: $307/day 

Alaska legislators receive an annual salary of $84,000 and meet for about 90 calendar days in regular sessions, typically from January to May. This compensation structure, combined with a generous per diem, helps attract dedicated individuals committed to addressing unique challenges in a vast state, ensuring effective legislative representation. 

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Illinois

Illinois
  • Salary: $89,250/year
  • Status: Full-time 
  • Per Diem: $166/day 

Working full-time, Illinois legislators earn a minimum of $89,250 annually. They meet for about eight months yearly, from January to May and during the fall. This competitive salary allows them to tackle crucial issues like public education and infrastructure, supporting effective governance while fostering public trust in the legislative process. 

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania
  • Salary: $106,422/year 
  • Status: Full-time 
  • Per Diem: $185/day 

With an annual salary of $106,422, Pennsylvania legislators operate full-time, meeting primarily from January to November. This compensation allows them to address various issues, from infrastructure to healthcare. The salary structure aims to attract dedicated public servants, enhancing the quality of representation for a large population. 

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California

California
  • Salary: $128,215/year 
  • Status: Full-time 
  • Per Diem: $214/day 

California's legislators receive a large base salary of $128,215, which supports their full-time work. They convene year-round, with sessions running from January to August. This substantial pay allows lawmakers to focus entirely on pressing challenges like climate change and economic inequality, helping ensure effective governance in a large, diverse state with significant policy implications. 

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New York

New York
  • Salary: $142,000/year 
  • Status: Full-time 
  • Per Diem: Unknown 

New York leads the nation with an impressive annual base salary of $142,000 for its state legislators. They meet for nearly six months, primarily from January to June, to address complex issues such as healthcare and housing. This compensation attracts highly skilled individuals, ensuring a well-functioning legislative body that dedicates itself to critical matters affecting the state. 

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