Nevada’s state legislature is a part-time, citizen legislature, meaning most elected officials maintain other careers outside their legislative duties. The Nevada Legislature consists of the **Senate** (21 members) and the **Assembly** (42 members).
Importantly, **state senators and assemblymembers receive identical compensation**—there is no difference in pay between the two chambers.
As of 2025, Nevada legislators do not receive an annual salary like full-time lawmakers in some states. Instead, their pay is structured around session days, per diem allowances, and other expenses. This system is governed by the Nevada Constitution (Article 4, Section 33) and state statutes (primarily NRS 218A.630 and related sections).
Base Compensation (Session Salary)
– Legislators earn **$130 per legislative day**.
– This pay is limited to **the first 60 days** of a regular session (which lasts up to 120 days in odd-numbered years).
– No base compensation is paid for days beyond the 60th in a regular session.
– For special sessions, pay is capped at 20 days (per the Constitution).
The $130 rate serves as a minimum baseline, with potential adjustments tied to cumulative increases in state employee salaries since the previous term (per legislation from 2005). However, recent data from reliable sources like the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and Ballotpedia confirm the effective rate remains **$130 per day** for 2025.
In a typical 120-day regular session (assuming at least 60 paid days):
– Maximum base compensation: **$130 × 60 = $7,800** per regular session.
Legislators typically serve in session every two years (biennial sessions), so over a two-year period, this equates to roughly $7,800 in base pay, with no pay in even-numbered years unless a special session is called.
Per Diem and Expense Allowances
To cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses (especially important since sessions are held in Carson City, away from many legislators’ home districts), members receive:
– **Per diem** tied to the federal rate for Carson City (set by the U.S. General Services Administration).
– This per diem is paid for **each calendar day** the Legislature is in session, including the full 120 days (not limited to 60 like the base pay).
– Exact 2025 per diem amounts vary slightly by fiscal year but are typically in the range of $150–$180+ per day for those living more than 50 miles from the capital (most legislators qualify).
Additional allowances include:
– Travel reimbursement (mileage or actual costs, up to limits like $10,000 per regular session).
– Other legislative business expenses (e.g., up to $2,800 per session).
Total Estimated Earnings Per Session
Combining base pay and per diem:
– Base: ~$7,800 (60 days × $130).
– Per diem (full session): ~$18,000–$21,600 (120 days at ~$150–$180/day).
– **Rough total per regular session: $25,000–$30,000** (plus travel and other reimbursements).
This is not a fixed annual salary—earnings depend on session length, attendance, and whether special sessions occur. Interim work (committee meetings, etc.) may qualify for additional per diem and the session-rate compensation on those days.
Other Key Notes
– **No benefits like full pensions** solely from legislative service (though some may qualify through other state employment).
– **Leadership positions** (e.g., Speaker, Majority Leader) may receive small additional allowances.
– Nevada ranks low nationally in legislator pay, reflecting its part-time nature. The NCSL classifies Nevada as a “hybrid” legislature.
– Pay cannot be increased mid-term for sitting legislators (constitutional restriction).
This structure encourages “citizen legislators” who bring real-world experience but can make service challenging for those without flexible jobs or independent means. For the most current federal per diem rates or any adjustments, check official sources like the Nevada Legislative website (leg.state.nv.us) or NCSL.
