Key facts
- Chief Justice John Roberts earns $320,700 annually as of 2026.
- Associate justices earn $306,600 annually.
- Justices can receive their salary for life if they retire at 70 with 10 years of service, or at 65 with 15 years of service.
- Half of Americans surveyed in August 2025 held an unfavorable opinion of the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court justices enjoy significant financial and job security benefits, including annual salaries exceeding $300,000 and eligibility for lifetime pay. Chief Justice John Roberts earns $320,700, while associate justices receive $306,600. Lifetime salary eligibility requires retirement at age 70 with at least 10 years of service, or at age 65 with 15 years of service. These perks come despite a recent decline in public approval for the court, with a Pew Research Center survey in August 2025 indicating that half of Americans hold an unfavorable opinion. President Donald Trump has also expressed dissatisfaction with court rulings, though he has also seen favorable decisions. Supreme Court historian Lucas "Scot" Powe described the position as "the cushiest job in the world" due to these benefits.