The Teamsters president salary has been a topic of interest for union members, labor experts, and the general public alike. As one of the most powerful labor unions in the United States, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters plays a major role in representing workers from many industries—from truck drivers and warehouse workers to airline employees and public service professionals.
With so much responsibility and influence, it’s no surprise that people are curious about how much the leader of such a massive organization earns. In this article, we break down the salary of the Teamsters president, how it compares to past union leaders, and what it tells us about union transparency and leadership.
Who Is the Current Teamsters President
As of 2025, the current Teamsters president is Sean O’Brien, who took office in March 2022. He succeeded James P. Hoffa, the longtime president and son of the legendary Jimmy Hoffa.
Sean O’Brien ran on a platform of reform, transparency, and stronger contracts. His leadership style has been more aggressive and vocal, especially when dealing with major employers like UPS and Amazon.
What Is the Teamsters President Salary
According to the most recent financial disclosure reports filed with the U.S. Department of Labor and publicly available union documents, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien earns a base salary of around $225,000 to $250,000 per year.
But there’s more to the story.
When you include benefits such as travel allowances, pension contributions, and other reimbursements, the total compensation package can reach upwards of $300,000 to $350,000 annually.
This makes him one of the higher-paid labor union leaders in the U.S.—but also one managing one of the largest and most complex unions in the world.
Comparing Teamsters President Salary to Other Union Leaders
To understand the Teamsters president salary better, it’s helpful to compare it to leaders of other major unions:
- AFL-CIO President: Around $300,000 to $350,000 annually
- SEIU President: Estimated $280,000
- NEA (National Education Association) President: $250,000 range
- UAW President: $200,000 to $230,000
While Sean O’Brien’s salary is on the higher end, it is in line with other leaders of national labor organizations, especially those with over a million members.
Is the Salary Too High or Fair
This question sparks debate among both supporters and critics of the labor movement.
Arguments That It’s Fair
- Huge Responsibility: The Teamsters president oversees more than 1.3 million members and deals with billion-dollar corporations.
- Negotiation Power: The position requires leading national labor contracts, strikes, and negotiations that affect thousands of workers’ lives.
- Transparency: The union is required to publicly report salaries and expenses, which supports financial accountability.
Arguments That It’s Too High
- Member Dues: Some union members feel that their dues should be more directly invested in local chapters or strike funds rather than high executive pay.
- Labor Image: Critics argue that high union leader salaries can weaken public support for unions by painting leaders as disconnected from rank-and-file workers.
Still, compared to corporate CEO salaries, which often reach tens of millions per year, even the highest-paid union presidents earn a fraction of what top executives make.
How Is the Teamsters President Salary Funded
The salary comes from member dues and is part of the union’s overall administrative budget. All expenses—including officer salaries—must be disclosed each year in financial reports to the Department of Labor, which are open to the public.
In recent years, transparency has become a bigger priority for the Teamsters. Sean O’Brien and his administration have promised to keep the union’s financial practices open and accessible for all members to see.
Teamsters Financial Transparency and Accountability
The Teamsters union is required by federal law to file annual LM-2 forms, which detail everything from officer salaries to union expenses and assets. These filings are reviewed by both union members and watchdog organizations.
Union members can also attend meetings and vote on important matters including contracts, leadership positions, and how dues are used.
This transparency helps build trust and keeps leadership accountable—something Sean O’Brien has said is a key part of his role.
Final Thoughts
The Teamsters president salary reflects the size, power, and responsibility of leading one of the largest unions in the world. While some see the compensation as high, others argue it matches the importance of the job.
At the end of the day, what matters most to union members is not just how much the president makes, but whether he is fighting for better wages, safer conditions, and stronger contracts. So far, Sean O’Brien has shown he’s ready to take on major battles, including one of the largest union contract negotiations in U.S. history with UPS in 2023.
As long as the leadership remains transparent and committed to improving the lives of workers, the discussion around salary will likely remain a side note to the broader labor movement’s goals.
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