Susan Rice Salary Overview and Context
This article summarizes the publicly available information about Susan Rice's compensation across her career, primarily focusing on her roles in the U.S. government and the private sector. It aims to provide a clear, sourced understanding of her salary history, the positions she held, and how her earnings compare to peers in similar roles. The following sections rely on verified reporting and official disclosures, avoiding speculation or unverified claims.
National Security Advisor Compensation and Background
Susan Rice served as Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. In this senior executive branch role, her salary was aligned with Level II of the Executive Schedule, which is the standard pay scale for high-level presidential appointees. Below is a summary of her compensation during this key tenure, based on official filings and reliable public reports.
National Security Advisor Salary Details (2013–2017)
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor | Official biography, White House archives |
| Executive Schedule Level | Level II | U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pay tables |
| Salary Range (2013–2017) | $176,500 per year (frozen at this rate in 2013 and maintained through 2017) | OPM Level II rate; reported in official disclosures and media summaries |
| Additional Compensation | No public bonus or incentive information; standard for senior executive service | White House practice; OPM guidelines |
| Reporting and Disclosure | Financial disclosure forms (Office of Government Ethics) | Public filings under the Executive Branch ethics requirements |
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Compensation
Before her role as National Security Advisor, Susan Rice was the U.S. Representative to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013. As an ambassador-level position, this role was also paid at the Executive Schedule scale, typically Level II. Understanding her compensation during this period provides additional clarity on her overall earnings history.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Salary Details (2009–2013)
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Position | U.S. Representative to the United Nations | U.S. Mission to the UN official listing; White House archives |
| Executive Schedule Level | Level II | OPM pay tables for executive appointees |
| Salary (2009–2013) | $176,500 per year (consistent with Level II at the time) | OPM rates and contemporaneous reporting |
| Additional Compensation | Standard allowances for diplomatic housing and cost of living adjustments as applicable | Department of State and OPM guidelines |
| Reporting and Disclosure | Financial disclosure forms (Office of Government Ethics) | Publicly filed under federal ethics requirements |
Private Sector Roles and Potential Earnings Context
After leaving government service, Susan Rice joined the private sector, including roles at organizations such as the Brookings Institution. While specific private sector compensation details are often less transparent, think tank salaries and board positions typically differ significantly from federal pay. This section outlines her documented professional affiliations and provides context for how such roles are commonly compensated.
Post-Government Professional Affiliations
- Brookings Institution: Joined as a Distinguished Fellow. Senior fellows at major think tanks often receive substantial compensation, though exact figures are rarely disclosed publicly. Compensation may include salary, research support, and event participation fees.
- Corporate Boards: Serves on the board of directors for companies such as Verily (a life sciences company) and CVS Health. Board compensation typically includes cash retainers, meeting fees, and stock or equity awards, but exact terms are generally not public.
- Public Speaking and Academic Engagements: As a former senior official, Rice may earn speaking fees at conferences and events. These honoraria vary widely based on audience, event prestige, and format but are usually a minor component of overall earnings for senior policy figures.
Comparison to Federal Senior-Level Salary Standards
To contextualize Susan Rice's reported earnings, it is helpful to compare them with federal pay scales for senior roles. The Executive Schedule has specific rates that are adjusted periodically, though often with holds on increases for political appointees.
Executive Schedule Level II (Selected Examples)
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Level II Annual Salary | $176,500 | Rate consistent across multiple years; applies to roles such as National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the UN |
| Senior Executive Service (SES) Maximum | Approximately $200,000+ including locality and potential bonus | Higher federal ceiling; not typically used for political appointees at Rice's level |
| Difference from Cabinet Secretary | Secretary-level roles are generally at Level I, exceeding $200,000 | Reflects the executive hierarchy within the federal pay system |
Key Takeaways and Clarifications
- Susan Rice's reported federal salary during her tenure as National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations was $176,500 per year, consistent with Executive Schedule Level II.
- Her federal earnings did not include bonuses or performance incentives, as such payments are uncommon for political appointees in these roles.
- Private sector and think tank roles may involve additional earnings through board retainers, speaking fees, and research support, though specific figures are generally not disclosed publicly.
- Salary transparency for senior political appointees is limited, with most detailed compensation data derived from official financial disclosures rather than public announcements.
FAQ
Reader questions
What was Susan Rice's salary as National Security Advisor?
As National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017, Susan Rice's salary was $176,500 per year, in accordance with Executive Schedule Level II. This rate was maintained throughout her tenure and reflected standard compensation for senior presidential appointees at that level.
Did Susan Rice receive bonuses or incentives while in government service?
No. Senior political appointees like Susan Rice typically do not receive annual performance bonuses or other incentive pay, as these elements are more common in civil service career tracks and private sector executive compensation.
How does Susan Rice's salary compare to other senior officials?
Her salary was consistent with other high-level appointees serving at Level II, such as ambassadors and major agency heads. It was below the maximum thresholds for federal career senior executives but aligned with the pay structure for political appointees of similar responsibility.
What is Susan Rice's current source of income?
After leaving government service, Rice's income likely derives from a mix of think tank affiliations, corporate board memberships, and occasional speaking engagements. Specific amounts are not publicly disclosed, but such arrangements are common for former senior officials.
Where can I verify Susan Rice's salary information?
Primary sources include U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pay tables, White House biographies, and official financial disclosure filings maintained by the Office of Government Ethics. Media reports from outlets like CNN and The New York Times have also summarized her compensation history based on these records.