For those interested in civics, public service, and the mechanics of our government, a common question arises: How are our elected officials compensated? The salary of a public figure like U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell is a matter of public record, set by law. This role, while not a traditional career path, comes with a standardized salary currently set at $174,000 per year.
This article will break down the salary for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, explain the responsibilities that come with the job, and detail the factors that define—and limit—their compensation.
What Does a U.S. Representative Do?
A U.S. Representative, also known as a congressman or congresswoman, is a member of the House of Representatives, one of the two chambers of the United States Congress. Representatives are elected every two years from a specific congressional district to serve the interests of their constituents.
Key responsibilities include:
- Legislation: Introducing, debating, and voting on bills that can become federal law. This involves extensive research, committee work, and negotiation.
- Representation: Acting as the voice for their constituents in Washington, D.C. This includes advocating for local interests, helping individuals navigate federal agencies, and holding town halls and meetings back in their home district.
- Oversight: Participating in congressional committees that oversee the actions of the executive branch and federal agencies to ensure they are operating effectively and within the law.
- Casework: Assisting constituents with specific problems related to federal agencies, such as issues with Social Security, veterans' benefits, or immigration.
Eric Swalwell, representing California's 14th congressional district, performs these duties alongside 434 other voting members of the House.
The Official Salary of a U.S. Representative
The compensation for members of Congress is standardized and does not vary based on the performance or background of the individual member. This ensures a level of fairness and prevents salary negotiations from becoming a political issue.
As of 2024, the salary for rank-and-file members of the House of Representatives and the Senate is $174,000 per year.
This figure has remained the same since 2009. While Congress has the authority to vote on its own pay raises, it has consistently voted to freeze its pay for over a decade, forgoing any annual cost-of-living adjustments.
- Typical Salary Range: While the base salary is fixed, certain leadership roles within Congress receive higher compensation.
- Rank-and-File Member (House and Senate): $174,000
- Majority and Minority Leaders (House and Senate): $193,400
- Speaker of the House: $223,500
Source: All salary data is publicly available and confirmed by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the non-partisan public policy research arm of the U.S. Congress. The most recent report is "Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief" (Updated November 15, 2023).
Key Factors That Influence Congressional Compensation
Unlike in the private sector, traditional factors like education, years of experience, and geographic location do not influence the base salary of a U.S. Representative. The compensation structure is unique and governed by law and ethics rules. Here’s how to understand the financial landscape.
###
Level of Education and Years of Experience
A member's educational background—whether they hold a J.D., an M.B.A., or a Ph.D.—has no bearing on their official salary. Similarly, a 20-year veteran of Congress earns the same base salary as a first-term representative. The principle is that all members hold the same rank and responsibility, and therefore receive the same pay.
###
Geographic Location
The salary of $174,000 is the same for every representative, regardless of the district they represent. This means a member from a high-cost-of-living area like the San Francisco Bay Area (such as Rep. Swalwell) receives the same pay as a member from a low-cost-of-living area in rural America. This can present a significant financial challenge for members from expensive districts, who often must maintain two residences: one in their home district and one in Washington, D.C.
###
Leadership Positions, Not Company Type
In a corporate career, the type and size of a company dramatically impact salary. For a member of Congress, the only factor that increases their official salary is ascending to a formal leadership position within their party. As noted above, roles like Speaker of the House or Majority/Minority Leader come with higher pay due to their increased institutional responsibilities.
###
Area of Specialization and Outside Income
A representative’s area of expertise or committee assignments (e.g., Finance, Armed Services) does not affect their salary. However, a crucial factor in their overall financial picture is the strict set of ethics rules governing outside earned income.
According to the House Committee on Ethics, a member's outside earned income is limited to 15% of their Level II Executive Schedule salary. For 2024, this means a member can earn no more than approximately $30,000 in outside income from sources requiring personal services (like giving a paid speech or serving on a corporate board). This rule is in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that members are focused on their official duties. Income from investments or a spouse's work is generally not subject to this limit.
Job Outlook and Career Pathways
The "job outlook" for a U.S. Representative isn't measured like other professions by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of positions is fixed at 435. Securing a position is not a matter of market demand but of winning an election.
However, the career pathways *to* Congress are varied. Many members have backgrounds in:
- Law: A significant portion of members are lawyers.
- Public Service: Many serve in state legislatures or local government before running for Congress.
- Business: A large number of members come from successful careers in the private sector.
- Other Fields: Educators, healthcare professionals, veterans, and community organizers have all been elected to Congress.
Success in this "career" is dependent on political skill, fundraising ability, public support, and a deep commitment to public service.
Conclusion: A Career of Service, Not a Path to Riches
Pursuing a career as a U.S. Representative is driven by a desire for public service rather than financial enrichment. While the $174,000 salary is well above the national average, it is a fixed figure that does not account for the high costs of living in two locations or the immense pressures of the job.
Key takeaways for anyone considering this path include:
- Standardized Pay: Your salary is set by law, not by your resume or negotiating skills.
- Significant Responsibility: The role involves representing hundreds of thousands of constituents and shaping national policy.
- Strict Ethical Limits: Your ability to earn outside income is sharply curtailed to ensure your focus remains on public duty.
- Path of Service: Ultimately, the motivation to become a U.S. Representative is rooted in a commitment to improving the country and the lives of fellow citizens.
For public figures like Eric Swalwell, the salary is just one part of a demanding and high-profile career dedicated to the civic process.