Jamesty
A common topic of discussion and scrutiny among the general public is the amount of money that world leaders make. A significant number of leaders receive salaries that are commensurate with the enormous responsibility that comes with their positions; however, some leaders receive significantly more than others. The following list provides an overview of the top ten highest-paid heads of state and government around the world in the year 2025.
List Of Top 10 Highest Paid Presidents In The World 2025
1. Lee Hsien Loong – Prime Minister of Singapore
In spite of the fact that he resigned from his position as Prime Minister of Singapore in May 2024, Lee Hsien Loong, who held that position from 2004 until 2024, continues to be the highest-paid former leader on this list due to the generous pension he received. The highest salary for a sitting head of government is approximately $1.7 million USD, which is equivalent to approximately $2.2 million Singapore dollars. His successor, Lawrence Wong, has an annual salary of approximately $2.2 million SGD. For the purpose of preventing corruption and attracting top talent, Lee’s previous salary was compared to that of employers in the private sector.
2. Mohammed bin Salman – Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
As the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is the person who holds the de facto executive power in the country. Although his official salary of $1.4 million is substantial, it is dwarfed by the fact that he has access to state oil revenues and personal wealth that is derived from assets owned by member of the royal family. The compensation package for the Prime Minister is specifically designed to take into account Saudi Arabia’s enormous oil wealth as well as the crucial role that Saudi Arabia plays in the global energy markets.
3. Joe Biden – Former President of the United States
It was mandated by the Constitution of the United States of America and established by Congress that Joe Biden receive a fixed salary of $400,000 while serving as President of the United States until January 20, 2025. The symbolic and practical weight of leading the world’s largest economy and military power is reflected in the fact that this salary has remained unchanged since 2001, despite the fact that inflation has significantly increased. An expense allowance of fifty thousand dollars, free residence at the White House, trips to Camp David, travel on Air Force One, and lifetime protection from the Secret Service after their tenure are all benefits that are provided to the President of the United States. After he leaves office, Biden is eligible to receive a pension that is approximately $221,000 per year during his retirement.
4. Emmanuel Macron – President of France
The salary of Emmanuel Macron, who will be the President of France in 2025, is set at $205,000. This amount has been adjusted on a regular basis to account for inflation and the current state of the economy. Macron’s compensation is determined by the French government in order to strike a balance between the expectations of the public and the requirements of his office. Macron is the leader of a major European power. The residence of Macron is the Élysée Palace, which provides him with access to official vehicles, travel that is funded by the state, and a generous pension plan. Additionally, his office is responsible for covering the costs associated with official duties, such as the implementation of domestic policy and international diplomacy.
5. Olaf Scholz – Chancellor of Germany
Olaf Scholz was Germany’s Chancellor until early 2025 and made $367,000 a year. This is a lot of money because Germany is Europe’s economic powerhouse. The Bundestag decides how much the Chancellor will make, and that amount includes money for official duties. The Federal Chancellery gave Scholz a place to live, official cars, and a retirement plan. He gets full coverage for security and travel costs, which helps him take part in international meetings like the G7 and EU summits. The Chancellor of Germany is in charge of a complicated federal system and a top global economy. Scholz’s pay is in line with Germany’s relatively low public sector pay compared to private industry, which is necessary to attract good leaders.
6. Rishi Sunak – Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
As Prime Minister in 2025, Rishi Sunak makes a total of $214,470, which includes his salary as Prime Minister (£80,807) and his salary as a Member of Parliament (£86,584). This structure shows how the UK leader is both the head of government and a Member of Parliament. Sunak lives at 10 Downing Street, where he has access to Chequers (a country estate), official cars, and security. He can also get a pension based on how long he worked. Extra allowances cover travel and hosting official events.
7. Fumio Kishida – Prime Minister of Japan
The National Diet has determined that Fumio Kishida, who will serve as Prime Minister of Japan in 2025, will receive a yearly salary of $256,000. These salaries are a reflection of Japan’s status as the fourth largest economy in the world, as well as the complexities of managing its aging population and the challenges that it faces in terms of regional security. In addition to receiving state-funded travel and security, as well as a pension plan, Kishida resides in the Kantei, which is the official residence of the Prime Minister. His office is responsible for covering the costs associated with domestic policy initiatives and international summits.
8. Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
Taking into account both his prime ministerial and parliamentary salaries, Justin Trudeau, who will be serving as Prime Minister of Canada in 2025, will earn a total of $292,000 (or CAD 406,200). This number reflects the level of economic strength that Canada possesses as well as the requirements of being a G7 nation. In addition to having access to official vehicles, security, and travel allowances, Trudeau resides at Rideau Cottage. As a result of his lengthy service in Parliament, he is qualified to receive a pension after serving for a period of six years.
9. Paul Biya – President of Cameroon
An unusually high salary of $620,976 is earned by Paul Biya, one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa. This figure stands out in a continent where the pay for the president is typically lower than it is in other countries. This compensation, which was determined by the government of Cameroon, is a reflection of the entrenched power of Biya as well as the distinctive political structure of the country. Among the benefits that Biya enjoys are residences provided by the state, extensive security, and allowances for international travel. It is said that his wealth is supplemented by resources controlled by the state; however, there is a lack of transparency regarding this matter.
10. Cyril Ramaphosa – President of South Africa
The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers has determined that Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be the President of South Africa in 2025, will receive a salary of $246,215 (representing 4.2 million South African Rand). This is a reflection of his role in successfully leading the most industrialized economy in Africa. Ramaphosa lives in residences that are provided by the state, such as Mahlamba Ndlopfu, and he has access to official vehicles, security, and travel allowances. Because of his length of service, he is qualified to receive a pension.
