Competition successmagazine use full for civil services students published this article page no 20 the salary today stands at $390000 plus $50000 in expenses. retired presidents were not eligible for a state pension until 1958. the former presidents act gave them $25000 a year an office and minimal staff. the pension today stands at c. $161000 - the same as a cabinet secretary. presidents are not elected by popular vote but by an electoral college representing the states. john quincy adams (1824) rutherford hayes (1876) benjamin harrison (1888) and george w. bush (2000) lost the overall vote but won the presidency competition success review buy.