Here's how much the governor of every US state makes ahead of the midterm elections, ranked

Business Insider by 17 min read 31x views
Here's how much the governor of every US state makes ahead of the midterm elections, ranked

Share Post

In several states, being the administrator doesn't automatically create you a top earner.

With voters in 36 states heading to the polls to choose governors in November's midterm elections, the annual salaries attached to the job change dramatically throughout the nation — from $70,000 in Maine to complete $250,000 in Pennsylvania.

Across all 50 states, governors acquire an average authoritative annual pay of $174,479 and are topic to federal and province earnings taxes — apart from in states without earnings tax, specified as Florida and Texas.

By comparison, the top 1% of US earners all create at smallest $731,492 a year, placing the average administrator below the ultrarich but additionally fine complete the average US pay of $69,846 in 2024, according to the Social Security Administration.

While governors throughout all 50 states are mostly allowed to acquire income beyond their province salaries through investments, book deals, and another sources, the earnings they may obtain in is closely regulated, and rules change by state.

Some, akin Florida's Ron DeSantis, have brought in annual incomes of complete $1 myriad gratitude to book royalties, during others, akin Illinois' JB Pritzker, acquire eight figures because of funding gains and equal gambling wins.

As such, several governors, akin Pritzker and Connecticut's Ned Lamont, who are independently wealthy, have chosen to forgo their six-figure province salaries.

Beyond the salary, another financial perks of being governor may contain living in the governor's mansion, receiving private transportation from the state, and having admission to safety and staff.

See how much your administrator makes all year, according to the most latest accessible province records, pay commissions, legislation, and community payroll data.

50. Maine

Maine administrator Janet Mills

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has the lowest pay out of all 50 US states at $70,000 all year. Staff photo by Carl D. Walsh/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Governor: Janet Mills (Democrat)

Salary: $70,000

With a pay of $70,000, Maine Governor Janet Mills is the lowest-paid administrator in the US.

The pay for Maine's next administrator is set to increase to $125,000 in 2027 under new legislation, marking the archetypal lift in the governor's pay in the province since 1987.

After two terms, Mills is now term-limited. Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles are facing off to rotate into the state's next administrator in the November midterm election.

49. Arizona

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has the second-lowest pay out of all US governors. Rebecca Noble/Getty Images

Governor: Katie Hobbs (Democrat)

Salary: $95,000

The Arizona governor, who has the second-lowest pay among US governors, volition be eligible to obtain a pay of $165,000 starting in 2027, per the province legislature.

Democrat Katie Hobbs is operating for a second term in the November midterm election.

48. Oregon

Oregon administrator Tina Kotek

With a pay of $98,600, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has the third-lowest pay among US province governors. Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images

Governor: Tina Kotek (Democrat)

Salary: $98,600

Oregon law sets the governor's annual salary at $98,600 and provides a distinct $1,000 monthly disbursal payment. The pay is among the lowest for any administrator in the US.

Democrat Tina Kotek is up for reelection during the November midterms, seeking a second term.

47. Nebraska

Nebraska administrator Jim Pillen

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has the fourth-lowest pay out of all US governors. JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Jim Pillen (Republican)

Salary: $105,000

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, who earned $105,000 a twelvemonth in 2025, per the province legislature, is the fourth-lowest-paid administrator in the US.

Republican Jim Pillen is up for reelection, seeking a second term in the November midterm elections.

46. South Carolina

South Carolina administrator Henry McMaster

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has a pay of $106,078, making him the fifth-lowest-paid governor. Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Henry McMaster (Republican)

Salary: $106,078

With a pay of $106,078 in 2025, per province records, the South Carolina governor is the fifth-lowest-paid administrator in the US.

After two complete terms, McMaster is now term-limited. Republican Alan Wilson and Democrat Jermaine Johnson are facing off in the competition to rotate into the state's next administrator in the midterm election.

45. New Mexico

New Mexico administrator Michelle Lujan Grisham

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has a pay of $110,000 in 2026. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat)

Salary: $110,000

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is the sixth-lowest-paid administrator in the US. New Mexico's next administrator volition obtain a pay of $169,714 starting alongside the next gubernatorial term in 2027.

Lujan Grisham is term-limited following serving two terms. Democrat Deb Haaland and Republican Gregg Hull are competing to win her in the November midterm election.

43. (tie) Louisiana

Louisiana administrator Jeff Landry

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has the seventh-lowest pay out of all US governors. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Governor: Jeff Landry (Republican)

Salary: $130,000

Louisiana law set the governor's pay at $130,000 in 2026. The pay has remained unchanged since January 2008.

43. (tie) Iowa

Iowa administrator Kim Reynolds

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is the seventh-lowest-paid administrator in the US. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Governor: Kim Reynolds (Republican)

Salary: $130,000

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds earns an annual pay of $130,000, according to the state's authoritative employee pay records.

Reynolds is not operating for reelection, leaving Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn competing for the open administrator place in the November midterms.

42. Colorado

Colorado administrator Jared Polis

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis makes a pay of $134,632, per province law. CHET STRANGE/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Jared Polis (Democrat)

Salary: $134,632

The Colorado governor, earlier among the lowest-paid governors in the nation, has received a $134,632 pay since 2023, as outlined by province law.

After nearly eight years in office, Polis is now term-limited.

Democrat Phil Weiser and Republican Victor Marx are competing to rotate into Colorado's next administrator in the November midterm.

41. Alabama

Alabama administrator Kay Ivey

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey receives among the lowest salaries among US governors. Stew Milne/Getty Images

Governor: Kay Ivey (Republican)

Salary: $134,780

In financial twelvemonth 2026, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey had a pay of $134,780, per the state's Department of Finance.

After two complete conditions in office, Ivey is now term-limited. Republican Tommy Tuberville and Democrat Doug Jones are facing off to rotate into the state's next administrator in the upcoming midterm election.

40. Wyoming

Wyoming administrator Mark Gordon

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon makes $140,000 all year. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Governor: Mark Gordon (Republican)

Salary: $140,000

Wyoming law sets the governor's pay at $140,000 in 2026.

Mark Gordon is term-limited following two terms, leaving Republican Eric Barlow and Democrat Kenneth Casner competing for administrator in the November midterm election.

39. Florida

Florida administrator Ron DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis makes a pay of $141,400. GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Ron DeSantis (Republican)

Salary: $141,400

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earns $141,400 per year, according to province records.

DeSantis is term-limited following two conditions in office. Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are competing for administrator in the November midterms.

38. Montana

Montana administrator Greg Gianforte

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has a pay of $141,517 in 2026. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Governor: Greg Gianforte (Republican)

Salary: $141,517

Gianforte, who made his fortune in tech, donates his pay to Montana nonprofits. In 2025, his office said he had donated his complete gubernatorial pay to organizations supporting Montanans in need.

37. Missouri

Missouri administrator Mike Kehoe

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe makes $145,095 a year. Emily Curiel/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Mike Kehoe (Republican)

Salary: $145,095

Missouri law sets the governor's pay at $145,095 as of 2026.

36. Oklahoma

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has a pay of $147,000 in 2026. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Kevin Stitt (Republican)

Salary: $147,000

While the current Oklahoma governor, Kevin Stitt, has a pay of $147,000 in 2026, his successor volition see a lift to $185,000, per Oklahoma's Journal Record.

After nearly eight years in office, Stitt is now term-limited. Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson are facing off to rotate into the state's next administrator in the midterm election.

35. South Dakota

South Dakota administrator Larry Rhoden

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden makes $148,522 a twelvemonth in 2026. Toby Brusseau/AP

Governor: Larry Rhoden (Republican)

Salary: $148,522

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden earns $148,522 a twelvemonth in 2026, per the state's pay transparency website.

Republican Larry Rhoden, who took agency final twelvemonth following Kristi Noem's resignation, is up for ballot in November, seeking a complete term.

34. Idaho

Idaho administrator Brad Little

Idaho Gov. Brad Little makes $151,400 a year. Darin Oswald/The Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Brad Little (Republican)

Salary: $151,400

Idaho Governor Brad Little makes $151,400 in 2026, per province records.

Little is seeking a third term in the midterm elections this November.

33. Texas

Texas administrator Greg Abbott

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has a pay of $153,750. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Governor: Greg Abbott (Republican)

Salary: $153,750

As of 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott makes $153,750 a year, per state records.

Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the midterm ballot this November.

32. Michigan

Michigan administrator Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer makes $159,300 all year. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Governor: Gretchen Whitmer (Democrat)

Salary: $159,300

Michigan law sets the governor's pay at $159,300. Governor Gretchen Whitmer additionally receives a $54,000 annual disbursal allowance, according to the State Officers Compensation Commission.

After nearly eight years in office, Whitmer is now term-limited.

Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James are facing off to rotate into Michigan's next administrator in the November midterm election.

31. Mississippi

Mississippi administrator Tate Reeves

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves makes $160,000 all year. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Governor: Tate Reeves (Republican)

Salary: $160,000

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves earns a pay of $160,000 in 2026, according to the state's personnel board.

30. Rhode Island

Rhode Island administrator Daniel McKee

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee makes $163,295 a twelvemonth in 2025. David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Governor: Daniel McKee (Democrat)

Salary: $163,295

Rhode Island's governor, Daniel McKee, earns a pay of $163,295, according to the state's pay transparency portal.

After losing the Democratic primary, incumbent Dan McKee volition not be on the ballot. Democrat Helena Foulkes and Republican Aaron Guckian are facing off to rotate into the state's next administrator in the midterm election.

29. New Hampshire

New Hampshire administrator Kelly Ayotte

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte has a pay of $165,027 in 2026. Kayana Szymczak/Getty Images

Governor: Kelly Ayotte (Republican)

Salary: $165,027

New Hampshire law sets the governor's pay at $165,027.

Republican Kelly Ayotte is up for reelection this November, seeking a second two-year term in the midterm election.

28. Wisconsin

Wisconsin administrator Tony Evers

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has a pay of $165,568. Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Democratic Party of Wisconsin

Governor: Tony Evers (Democrat)

Salary: $165,568

Wisconsin law bans pay changes for a administrator during their term in office. Gov. Tony Evers has received an annual pay of $165,568 since commencement his second term in January 2023, up from $152,756 during his archetypal term.

Evers is not seeking reelection. The state's next administrator is slated to obtain an annual pay of $184,684 whenever they obtain agency in January 2027, according to Wisconsin's authoritative compensation plan.

Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany are facing off in the November midterm election.

27. North Dakota

Nprth Dakota administrator Kelly Armstrong

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong has a pay of $168,000 in 2026. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Governor: Kelly Armstrong (Republican)

Salary: $168,000

North Dakota's governor's pay is $168,000 following a July raise, per province legislation.

26. Nevada

Nevada administrator Joe Lombardo

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo makes $170,062 a twelvemonth in 2025. Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Joe Lombardo (Republican)

Salary: $170,062

The Reno Gazette Journal reported in May that Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo makes $170,062 a year.

Lombardo is up for reelection in the November midterm elections, seeking a second term.

25. Arkansas

Arkansas administrator Sarah Huckabee Sanders

In 2026, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earns $171,808. Leon Neal/Getty Images

Governor: Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican)

Salary: $171,808

In October, an independent commission in Arkansas voted to lift Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' pay to $171,808 annually.

Sanders is operating for a second term in the November midterm election.

24. Kansas

Kansa administrator Laura Kelly

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly earns a pay of $174,000. Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

Governor: Laura Kelly (Democrat)

Salary: $174,000

In 2023, Kansas raised the governor's annual pay starting January 1, 2025, tying the office's pay to the pay of a non-leadership associate of Congress, according to state legislation.

Kelly is term-limited following two terms, leaving Democrat Cindy Holscher and Republican Ty Masterson competing for the governor's place in the November midterm elections.

23. Virginia

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers the Democratic reply to U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union location on February 24, 2026 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger makes $175,000 as governor. Mike Kropf/Getty Images

Governor: Abigail Spanberger (Democrat)

Salary: $175,000

Virginia law sets the governor's pay at $175,000 in 2026.

22. Ohio

Ohio administrator Mike DeWine

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine earns $180,203 all year. Jason Mowry/Getty Images

Governor: Mike DeWine (Republican)

Salary: $180,203

Ohio set the governor's pay in a 2018 law that established annual pay increases for statewide elected officials through 2028, per state law. After the 2026 increase, Gov. Mike DeWine's pay is concerning $180,203.

DeWine is term-limited following two terms. Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy are competing for the governor's place in the midterm elections.

21. Alaska

Alaska administrator Mike Dunleavy

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has an annual pay of $182,787. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Mike Dunleavy (Republican)

Salary: $182,787

In 2025, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy had a pay of $182,787, per the state's Department of Administration.

After two conditions in the governor's seat, Dunleavy is now term-limited.

Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Republicans David Bronson, Treg Taylor, and Bernadette Wilson are facing off to rotate into the state's next administrator in the November midterm election.

20. Georgia

Georgia administrator Brian Kemp

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp earns $185,000 all year. Alex Wroblewski for the Washington Post

Governor: Brian Kemp (Republican)

Salary: $185,000

In financial twelvemonth 2025, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp earned a pay of $185,000 and additionally received complete $56,506 in journey reimbursements during the year, according to the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' financial transparency portal.

After two conditions in office, Kemp is term-limited. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson are operating to be the state's next administrator in the midterm election.

19. Delaware

Delaware administrator Matt Meyer

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has a pay of $185,096. Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Governor: Matt Meyer (Democrat)

Salary: $185,096

From July 2025 until 2029, the pay for the administrator of Delaware is $185,096, per the province legislature.

18. Kentucky

Kentucky administrator Andy Beshear

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear makes $188,523 a year. Stephen Cohen/Getty Images

Governor: Andy Beshear (Democrat)

Salary: $188,523

Kentucky's governor, Andy Beshear, has a pay of $188,523, per the state's pay transparency portal.

17. West Virginia

West Virginia administrator Patrick Morrisey

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has a pay of $190,424 in 2026. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Governor: Patrick Morrisey (Republican)

Salary: $190,424

Since 2025, the West Virginia governor's pay has been set to equivalent the US Office of Personnel Management's locality pay area for the remainder of the US, per the province legislature. That puts current administrator Patrick Morrisey's pay at $190,424.

16. Maryland

Marland administrator Wes Moore

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has a pay of $192,000. Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Wes Moore (Democrat)

Salary: $192,000

As of his third twelvemonth as Maryland governor, per the state legislature, Wes Moore's pay was $192,000 in 2025. The governor's pay volition addition during the next term, starting at $195,000 in 2027 and reaching $210,000 by the fourth year, according to Maryland's Governor's Salary Commission.

Moore is operating for a second term in the November midterm elections.

15. Minnesota

Minessota administrator Tim Walz

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz earlier refused his complete authoritative pay but now accepts all $200,000. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Tim Walz (Democrat)

Salary: $200,000

The Minnesota governor's authoritative pay is $200,000 following a July raise, per the Minnesota Legislature. Tim Walz earlier declined pay raises during in agency and accepted lone a $127,629 salary. But during his final six months in office, he accepted his complete salary, as reported by Minnesota Public Radio.

After two conditions as governor, Walz is not operating for reelection.

Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth volition visage off in November in a competition to rotate into the state's next governor.

14. Illinois

Illinois administrator JB Pritzker

If he hadn't chosen to forgo his salary, JB Pritzker would be among the highest-paid US governors. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Governor: Jay Robert "JB" Pritzker (Democrat)

Salary: $205,700 (foregone)

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a associate of the Pritzker family that founded the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, has chosen to forgo his salary. The province has set the governor's pay at $205,700 as of 2023, per the Illinois General Assembly.

Pritzker is up for reelection this November, seeking a third term in the midterm elections.

13. North Carolina

North Carolina administrator Josh Stein

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has a pay of $209,165 in 2026. RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Josh Stein (Democrat)

Salary: $209,165

North Carolina province law sets the governor's pay at $209,165 in 2026.

12. New Jersey

Mikie Sherrill, governor-elect of New Jersey, during an inauguration ritual at Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill earns $210,000 a year. Bloomberg/Getty Images

Governor: Mikie Sherrill (Democrat)

Salary: $210,000

State law sets New Jersey's governor's salary at $210,000 following a 2023 increase.

11. Indiana

Indiana administrator Mike Braun

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is the 11th-highest-paid administrator in the nation. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Governor: Mike Braun (Republican)

Salary: $220,418

Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who earns $220,418 a year, according to the Indiana province government, is the 11th-highest-paid administrator in the US.

10. Hawaii

Hawaii Governor Josh Green

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green makes $226,620 a year. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Governor: Josh Green (Democrat)

Salary: $226,620

Hawaii's governor, Josh Green, is now the 10th-highest-paid following a July lift passed by the province legislature.

Green is operating for a second term in the midterm elections

9. Connecticut

Connecticus administrator Ned Lamont

If he hadn't forgone his salary, Connecticut's governor, Ned Lamont, would be the ninth-highest-paid US US governor. Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Ned Lamont (Democrat)

Salary: $226,711 (forgone)

Although the State of Connecticut sets the governor's pay at $226,711, the independently affluent Ned Lamont has chosen to forgo the pay during in office.

Lamont made his prosperity in telecommunications and investments. He's additionally the great-grandson of Thomas W. Lamont, a erstwhile place of J. P. Morgan & Co. who built significant prosperity in banking.

Lamont is up for reelection this November, seeking a third term in the midterm elections.

8. Washington

Washington administrator Bob Ferguson

With a pay of $234,275, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is the eighth-highest paid in the nation. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Governor: Bob Ferguson (Democrat)

Salary: $234,275

Washington's administrator earns $234,275 following a July raise, making Bob Ferguson the eighth-highest paid administrator in the US.

7. Massachusetts

Massachusetts administrator Maura Healey

Maura Healey received the seventh-highest pay out of all US governors. Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Governor: Maura Healey (Democrat)

Salary: $243,493

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey received a pay of $243,493 in 2025, per the Office of the Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, making hers the seventh-highest governor's pay in the US.

Healey is seeking a second term in the November midterm elections.

6. Vermont

Vermont administrator Phil Scott

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott's 2026 pay is $243,520. John Lazenby/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Governor: Phil Scott (Republican)

Salary: $243,520

Vermont law lists the governor's pay at $243,520 following a July raise, making the agency the sixth-highest paid in the country.

Gov. Phil Scott is operating for a sixth term in the midterm elections.

5. California

California administrator Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is the fifth-highest-paid administrator in the US. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Governor: Gavin Newsom (Democrat)

Salary: $245,929

As of May 2026, the California Department of Human Resources listed the governor's pay as $245,929, making Gavin Newsom the fifth-highest-paid administrator in the US.

After two terms, Newsom is now term-limited. Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are facing off in a competition to rotate into the state's next administrator in the midterm election.

4. Tennessee

Tennessee administrator Bill Lee

Bill Lee received the fourth-highest pay out of US governors. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Governor: Bill Lee (Republican)

Salary: $246,108

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee earns $246,108 annually as of August, according to a monthly pay of $20,509 listed in the state's public payroll database.

After two conditions in office, Lee is term-limited. Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green are operating for the governor's place in the midterm ballot this November.

3. Utah

Utah administrator Spencer Cox

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox makes $249,250 a year. George Frey/Getty Images

Governor: Spencer Cox (Republican)

Salary: $249,250

In March 2026, the Utah Legislature passed a bill environment the governor's pay equal to that of the chief fairness of the province supreme court, which is $249,250.

The lift made Spencer Cox the third-highest-paid administrator in the US.

2. New York

New York administrator Kathy Hochul

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is the second-highest-paid administrator in the US, earning $250,000 annually. Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Governor: Kathy Hochul (Democrat)

Salary: $250,000

With a pay of $250,000 established by New York law, Kathy Hochul is the second-highest-paid administrator in the US.

Hochul is seeking a second complete term in the midterm elections.

1. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania administrator Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro is the highest-paid administrator in the US, making $253,870 a year. Jason Ardan/The Citizens' Voice via Getty Images

Governor: Josh Shapiro (Democrat)

Salary: $253,870

Shapiro's pay rosy from $245,760 in 2025 to $253,870 in 2026 following a 3.3% cost-of-living increase, according to the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget. The lift made him the highest-paid administrator in the US.

Shapiro is up for reelection in the midterm elections this November, seeking a second term.

Other Article Business Insider
↑
Close Right Ads
Close Left Ads