that too is wrong salaries and benefits of members of the u s congress have been the source of taxpayer unhappiness and myths over the years here are some facts for your consideration as of 2015 the base salary for all rank and file members of the u s house and senate is $ 174000 per year plus benefitssalaries have not been increased since 2009 compared to private sector salaries the salaries of members of congress is lower than many mid level executives and managersalso see the 10 wealthiest members of congress rank and file members the current salary 2015 for rank and file members of the house and senate is $ 174000 per years it is for all other federal employees congressional retirement is funded through taxes and the participants contributions members of congress under fers contribute 1 3 percent of their salary into the fers retirement plan and pay 6 2 percent of their salary in social security taxes