In this article, we will take a look at the 25 highest-paid government leaders in the world. You can also check out 20 Most Respected Professions in the World.
The annual earnings of the heads of state, ranging from just over $200,000 to more than $1.6 million, often tend to significantly exceed the average income of citizens in their respective countries. This disparity reflects the unique nature of leadership roles and the recognition of the responsibilities and demands associated with leading a country.
For instance, in the United States, the president receives a yearly income of $400,000, a figure decided in 2001. This places them among the highest-paid government officials.
A leader’s compensation goes beyond just their salary. Many government leaders receive extensive benefits packages that provide higher value. One notable perk is access to official and ceremonial vehicles. For example, the Prime Minister of Australia travels in a BMW 7 Series. Likewise, the emperor of Japan can be seen using a Toyota Century Royal, and the King of Morocco rides in a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman.
The global luxury car industry is projected to reach a value of $2.79 trillion by 2032, with a compounded annual growth rate of 10.1% from 2024 to 2032, largely due to the widespread use of luxury cars by world leaders and other prominent figures. Some of the prominent players in the global luxury car industry are Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (ETR:BMW), Mercedes-Benz Group (ETR:MBG), and Porsche Automobil Holding SE (ETR:PAH3). All three companies are German and known for producing cars with superior engineering. You can also check out the 15 Most Valuable German Companies here.
BMW, short for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (ETR:BMW), is a German multinational giant synonymous with luxury vehicles and motorcycles. In Q1 2024, the company reported mixed results. While overall sales remained relatively flat at €36.6 billion, pre-tax profit dipped nearly 19% to €4.162 billion. This decline stemmed from higher manufacturing and fixed costs despite a slight increase in car sales. The company maintained its full-year outlook, anticipating slight growth in deliveries but a potential decrease in earnings.
The Mercedes-Benz Group (ETR:MBG) is known for its luxury cars and vans, which are branded under Mercedes-Benz. The company has a legacy spanning almost a century. Despite facing challenges in Q1 2024, Mercedes-Benz persevered and reported a strong €3.9 billion in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT).
Porsche Automobil Holding SE (ETR:PAH3) is the parent company of the renowned Porsche sports car brand. Despite facing a challenging business landscape, Porsche performed admirably in Q1 2024. Sales exceeded analysts’ predictions, reaching €9.01 billion, while operating profit matched estimates, reaching €1.28 billion.
Porsche Automobil Holding SE (ETR:PAH3) is the holding company that owns the iconic Porsche sports car brand. Despite a challenging environment, Porsche navigated Q1 2024 well. Sales surpassed analyst expectations, reaching €9.01 billion. Operating profit also met estimates, hitting €1.28 billion.
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Our Methodology
We have compiled our list of the 25 highest-paid government leaders in the world using data from various public sources and news reports. All the figures are in USD to allow for comparison. Our list includes monarchies and has been arranged in ascending order based on the total annual earnings of each leader. For countries with two heads, the prime minister and the president, we have chosen the salaries of those who are currently serving as Head of State. Some of these individuals are also among the top 20 highest-paid presidents in the world.
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25 Highest-Paid Government Leaders in the World
25. Iceland
Leader: Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 317,000
Iceland is a Nordic country between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, between North America and Europe. The President of Iceland serves as the country’s head of state. Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson is the current President of Iceland, serving his second term in office. He was initially elected as President in 2016 and subsequently re-elected in 2020. He earns an annual salary of 317,000 USD, while Bjarni Benediktsson, who has been serving as prime minister of Iceland since April 2024 and previously from January to November 2017, earns more than 242,000 USD annually.
24. Austria
Leader: Alexander Van der Bellen (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 378,666
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer earns a little more than 338,000 USD a year, while the President, Alexander Van der Bellen, receives a compensation of 378,666 USD.
23. Australia
Leader: Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)
Annual Earnings in USD: 392,811
Australia is the largest country by area in Oceania and the world’s sixth-largest country. The Australian Prime Minister and former Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese earns a salary of 392,811 USD annually. The salary adjustments for government servants, including the President, are determined by the Independent Remuneration Tribunal.
22. United States of America
Leader: Joe Biden (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 400,000
President Joe Biden holds an important position as the head of the world’s superpower. He receives an annual salary of US $400,000, placing him among the highest-paid government officials globally. In addition to his salary, President Biden enjoys access to various luxurious perks that come with his role, such as residing in the prestigious White House.
21. Ireland
Leader: Michael D Higgins (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 401,000
Ireland is a country in north-western Europe. President Michael D Higgins of Ireland holds the distinction of being among Europe’s highest-paid heads of state, earning an annual salary of 401,000 USD.
20. Morocco
Leader: Mohammed VI (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 488,604
Morocco, a North African country in the Maghreb region, is officially called the Kingdom of Morocco. King Mohammed VI receives a royal grant of 488,604 USD.
19. Switzerland
Leader: Viola Amherd (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 507,000
Switzerland is a landlocked country situated in west-central Europe. Viola Amherd is the current President of the Swiss Confederation.
18. Syria
Leader: Bashar al-Assad (President)
Annual salary in USD: 576,000
Bashar al-Assad is a prominent Syrian politician who has been serving as the President of Syria since July 17, 2000. He earns 576,000 USD annually.
17. Cameroon
Leader: Paul Biya (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 620,676
Cameroon is a country in Central Africa. The President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, is amongst the highest-paid politicians in Africa. He earns an annual salary of $620,676. Biya served as the president of Cameroon before as well and was previously the prime minister of Cameroon from 1975 to 1982.
16. Iraq
Leader: Abdul Latif Rashid (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 809,673
Iraq’s President Abdul Latif Rashid earns an annual income of 809,673 USD, making him one of the highest-paid government leaders in the world. Following the Iraqi presidential elections held on October 13, 2022, he assumed the position of the new President of Iraq and replaced Barham Salih.
15. Jordan
Leader: King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 847,457
Jordan is a sovereign Arab nation situated on the east bank of the Jordan River. King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein has been the reigning monarch of Jordan since his ascension to the throne on February 7, 1999. He earns an annual Royal Grant of $847,457, which is one of the highest compensations of a government leader globally.
14. Singapore
Leader: Lawrence Wong (Prime Minister)
Annual Earnings in USD: 1.6 Million
Singapore is a Southeast Asian country. A Salary Review Committee determines the compensation of the Prime Minister of Singapore. This review process takes place every five years. The objective is to establish a salary structure that incentivizes government leaders to be highly productive and efficient while lowering the risk of corruption. Wong assumed the role of the country’s prime minister on May 15 and can now be considered among the top 15 highest-paid government officials.
13. Tonga
Leader: King Tupou VI (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 2.13 Million
Tonga is a Kingdom, with King Tupou VI serving as the head of state. The King receives a royal grant, and currently, his annual earnings stand at $2.13 million. This grant supports the King’s role as the symbolic leader of Tonga and contributes to the functioning of the royal household.
12. Japan
Leader: Emperor Naruhito
Annual Earnings in USD: 3.08 Million
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Emperor Naruhito is the current ruler of Japan. His annual earnings amount to $3.08 million
11. Netherlands
Leader: King Willem-Alexander (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 6.08 Million
The Netherlands, a country situated in northwestern Europe, is home to a constitutional monarchy. King Willem-Alexander, who ascended the Dutch throne in 2013, records an annual income of $6.08 million, making him one of the highest-paid government leaders in the world.
10. Oman
Leader: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq (Prime Minister)
Annual Earnings in USD: 7.24 Million
Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is a country in West Asia. The Cabinet of Oman serves as the principal executive body of the Sultanate of Oman. At the helm of the cabinet is Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who holds the position of Prime Minister.
9. Denmark
Leader: King Frederik X (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 11.35 Million
Denmark is a Scandinavian country. King Frederik X is the reigning monarch of Denmark and is among the top 10 highest-paid government leaders in the world.
8. Luxembourg
Leader: Henri Albert Gabriel Félix Marie Guillaume (Grand Duke)
Annual Earnings in USD: 12.33 Million
Luxembourg stands unique as the world’s only remaining sovereign grand duchy. Governed as a representative democracy, Luxembourg is led by a constitutional monarch, Grand Duke Henri Albert Gabriel Félix Marie Guillaume.
7. Sweden
Leader: King Carl XVI Gustaf (Bernadotte) (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 15.75 Million
Sweden is the largest Nordic country by area and the fifth-largest country in Europe. The King of Sweden receives a 15,752,000 USD annual royal grant. King Carl XVI Gustaf currently holds the title of King of Sweden and is seventh on our list of the highest-paid government leaders in the world.
6. Norway
Leader: King Harald V (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 33.24 Million
Norway has a well-established monarchy, with King Harald V serving as the current monarch. As the King of Norway, King Harald V earns over $33.2 million. Meanwhile, the current Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, earns an annual income of $210,714.
5. Monaco
Leader: Albert II (Prince)
Annual Earnings in USD: 52.06 Million
Monaco is a small European country. It holds the distinction of being the second smallest country in the world in terms of area. The reigning Prince of Monaco, Albert II, receives an annual allotment of $52,063,000.
4. Eswatini
Leader: King Mswati III (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 56.05 Million
Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. King Mswati III, the ruler of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), is a prominent and influential leader. However, his private nature means that there is limited public information about his personal life. As the monarch, the king receives substantial financial support to fulfill his duties.
3. Kuwait
Leader: Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 165.00 Million
Kuwait is a country in West Asia. The Emir of Kuwait receives a yearly royal allocation. The royal allocation provided is intended to support the Emir’s role as the head of state and ensure the well-being of the ruling family.
2. United Arab Emirates
Leader: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (President)
Annual Earnings in USD: 4.61 Billion
The UAE is a federation consisting of several oil-rich emirates, each governed by its own hereditary ruler. The current President of the UAE Federation, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, receives substantial compensation for his role. His annual earnings stand at $4.61 billion. UAE is one of the countries with the highest-paid politicians in the world.
1. Saudi Arabia
Leader: Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (King)
Annual Earnings in USD: 9.60 Billion
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic Middle Eastern country. King Salman of Saudi Arabia is in the first position on our list of the highest-paid government leaders in the world. The king’s recorded annual earnings stand at $9.60 billion. On the other hand, the average household income in the country is $24,980.
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