Texas House members are paid an annual salary of $7,200, along with a per diem for each day the legislature is in session.
Understanding the Compensation Structure
The compensation for members of the Texas House of Representatives consists of two main components: a fixed annual salary and a variable per diem. This structure reflects the part-time nature of the legislative session in Texas, which typically meets for 140 days every odd-numbered year.
Here's a breakdown of their compensation:
- Annual Salary: Each member receives a base salary of $7,200 per year. This amount is fixed regardless of the number of days the legislature is in session or the member's activity.
- Per Diem: In addition to their salary, members receive a per diem, which is a daily allowance intended to cover living expenses while the legislature is convened. This includes costs such as lodging, meals, and other incidentals incurred while performing their official duties in Austin. The specific per diem rate is set by the Texas Ethics Commission and can vary. For example, during the 2023 legislative session, the per diem was $221 per day.
To illustrate, during a regular 140-day session, a Texas House member would receive their annual salary plus the per diem multiplied by the number of days the legislature is in session.
| Compensation Component | Amount / Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $7,200 | Paid yearly, regardless of session |
| Per Diem | Daily allowance | Provided for each day the legislature is in session, covering living expenses. |
Context of Service
Members of the Texas House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Their authority is established under Article 3 of the Texas Constitution. The relatively modest base salary, combined with the per diem, is characteristic of Texas's "citizen legislature" model, where legislative service is not intended to be a full-time, primary source of income for members.
For more detailed information on the Texas House of Representatives, you can visit their Wikipedia page.
