As one of the most talked-about figures, Joe Biden has built a significant fortune. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.
What is Joe Biden's Net Worth and Salary?
Joe Biden's Financial History
For many years before becoming VP, he would frequently refer to himself as one of the "poorest" members of Congress, or "middle-class Joe," with a net worth of less than $500,000. Financial disclosures going back to 1998 show Joe and his wife Jill had an average annual income in the neighborhood of $215,000 a year until 2009 when they got a $55,000 boost from pensions and Social Security payments. By the time the Bidens reached their final years as VP and Second Lady, their total income had risen to about $390,000 per year.
Biden's career was marked by personal tragedy, including the loss of his first wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident, and later his son Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015. These experiences shaped his political identity and fueled his focus on health care, family support programs, and cancer research. He first sought the presidency in 1988 and again in 2008 but withdrew early both times. Instead, he was chosen asBarack Obama'srunning mate, serving two terms as vice president from 2009 to 2017. In that role, Biden helped steer economic recovery efforts following the 2008 financial crisis, managed U.S. policy in Iraq, and became a trusted adviser to Obama.
According to Title 3 of the U.S. Code, as President of the United States, Joe Biden earned a base salary of $400,000. He was also entitled to a $50,000 annual expense account, a $100,000 nontaxable travel account, and a $19,000 annual entertainment stipend. Before moving into the White House, the Bidens were granted $100,000 to be used for redecorating.
Despite stepping back from the campaign trail, Biden remained active in the final months of his presidency, focusing on foreign policy, climate goals, and criminal justice reform. He worked to cement elements of his legacy through initiatives such as expanded veterans' benefits, new greenhouse gas reduction targets, and clemency actions on federal death row. By the time he left office in January 2025, Biden's half-century in politics had seen him serve as senator, vice president, and president, leaving a lasting imprint on American government and public life.
In April 2023, Biden announced his intention to run for a second term as president in 2024. However, as the campaign progressed, questions about his age and stamina became central issues, leading to mounting pressure from within his own party. In July 2024, Biden made the historic decision to withdraw from the race, the first sitting president in modern history to step aside voluntarily during an election year. His departure opened the door for Vice PresidentKamala Harristo become the Democratic nominee, though she ultimately lost to Donald Trump in the November election.
When his term as Vice President ended, Joe Biden's last financial disclosure pegged his net worth at $1.5 million.
Joe Biden is an American politician who has a net worth of $7 million. Joe Biden's political career has spanned more than five decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in American public life. He began his career in local politics before becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 at the age of 29. Representing Delaware for 36 years, Biden built a reputation as a pragmatic legislator and influential voice on foreign policy through his work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He also chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he oversaw contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearings. Known for his bipartisan approach and affable style, Biden played a key role in budget negotiations and was often seen as a dealmaker in times of partisan gridlock.
In 2020, Biden launched his third presidential bid, positioning himself as a unifying figure amid a deeply divided political climate. He won the Democratic nomination and defeated incumbentDonald Trumpin a contentious election. Sworn in as the 46th president in January 2021, Biden's tenure has focused on managing the COVID-19 pandemic, passing large-scale economic recovery and infrastructure packages, supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, and navigating domestic polarization. His career reflects resilience, persistence, and a long-standing commitment to public service.
Ultimately, Joe Biden's financial journey is a testament to their success.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.