White House Salaries Revealed: It's Good to be an 'Assistant'

My mother raised me to believe it is impolite to talk about other people's money. But I bet even Mom would admit a guilty fascination, as I do, with the swollen salary of this major league shortstop or that star of the weekend blockbuster -- especially compared to what we might imagine a neighbor makes a year.

Of course, when you work in government, your income is often a matter of public record. In fact, for the past 14 years, the White House has been required to deliver a report to Congress listing the title and salary of every worker on the president's office staff. (The president, as is well known, earns $400,000 a year; good work if you can get it.)

The White House report was delivered Wednesday, and there are no great surprises. The salaries range from $36,000 to $192,934 and appear to be consistent with many offices. You probably wouldn't be shocked to learn that the White House operator makes $42,800, or that a tax counsel brings in $132,914. Someone called the Assistant Shift Leader earns $46,600.

The Washington Post points out one curiosity: there are 22 aides -- many holding the title "assistant to the president" -- who earn the considerable sum of $172,000.

Those making the magic number include 28-year-old Jonathan Favreau, the president's wordsmith (director of speechwriting), and 66-year-old James L. Jones, the national security adviser.

One person in the White House, other than the president himself ($400,000), is listed as making more than $172,000: David E. Marcozzi, the president's director of public health policy, is described as a "detailee" from the Department of Health and Human Services and receives $192,934 for his work. (Vice President Biden and his staff are not included in the White House report.)

On the other end of the scale are Michael J. Warren, a senior adviser for the department of personnel, and Patricia G. McGinnis, who is listed simply as an adviser to the president. Both make nothing, according to the official salary list.

The great majority of workers earn between $40,000 and $55,000, which, as the Post points out, "makes the White House quite a modestly paid enterprise for most of the workaholics who spend time there."

The complete salary list is available on the White House blog, so gawk away. Mom won't mind.