FX.co ★ Top 10 highest-paid state leaders

Lawrence Wong (Singapore)

At the top of the list is Singapore’s 51-year-old Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, whose annual salary is an impressive $1.61 million. Wong was appointed to the highest state position in Singapore in 2024 after a long and successful career in government. Previously, he led Singapore’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance, where he demonstrated his effectiveness as a leader and reformer.

John Lee Ka-chiu (Hong Kong)

66-year-old Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu ranks second. His annual salary is estimated at $695,000. Lee Ka-chiu was appointed to the top position in Hong Kong in 2022. Before the office, he held various key government positions, including Secretary for Security and Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Viola Amherd (Switzerland)

Third on the list is 62-year-old Swiss President Viola Amherd, the only woman among the ten highest-paid heads of state. Amherd took on the presidential role at the beginning of 2024. Before this, she was a member of the Swiss Federal Council, overseeing the Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sports. Her annual salary is currently $530,000.

Joe Biden (US)

Fourth rank goes to 81-year-old US President Joe Biden, with an annual salary of $400,000. Biden has been in office since January 2021 and is completing his first presidential term this year. Before becoming president, he served as Vice President and as a US Senator from Delaware.

Anthony Albanese (Australia)

61-year-old Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds the fifth rank, with an annual salary of $390,000. Albanese took office in May 2022. Before being elected to the highest state position, he was the leader of the opposition and head of the Australian Labor Party, as well as holding several significant government roles, including Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Minister for Regional Development and Local Government.

Olaf Scholz (Germany)

Sixth place in our ranking belongs to 66-year-old German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, with an annual income of $367,000. Scholz took office in December 2021, leading a coalition government of Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats. Prior to becoming Chancellor, he was Germany’s Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor from 2018 to 2021, and Mayor of Hamburg from 2011 to 2018.

Karl Nehammer (Austria)

Seventh place goes to 51-year-old Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who earns an annual salary of $307,000. Nehammer took the highest state position in Austria in December 2021. Before his appointment, he worked in the Ministry of the Interior Affairs and was Secretary General of the Austrian People's Party.

Justin Trudeau (Canada)

Eighth place is held by 52-year-old Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with an annual salary of $292,000. Trudeau has been leading the Canadian government since 2015 as the leader of the Liberal Party. Before becoming Prime Minister, he was a Member of Parliament representing the Papineau district since 2008.

Christopher Luxon (New Zealand)

Ninth place is occupied by 54-year-old New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with an annual salary of $288,000. Luxon assumed the role in November 2023. Before his appointment, he was the leader of the New Zealand National Party and was actively involved in the country’s political life, as well as holding executive positions

Fumio Kishida (Japan)

Rounding out the list of the highest-paid heads of state is 67-year-old Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with an annual income of $256,000. Kishida was appointed in October 2021, becoming the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party. Before he was elected Prime Minister, he held various high-level positions, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.