The 30 Best Perks of Being the Vice President of the United States

The moniker "Air Force Two" is used as the radio call signal for any plane the vice president is flying on—however, the aircraft is actually a modified Boeing 757. There are multiple planes outfitted for the needs of the vice president, which includes an official stateroom, phones, copy machines, and a full bed.

While the vice president and president don't typically travel together due to safety concerns, there have been instances when the vice president has hitched a ride on the high-luxury Air Force One.

Everyone knows the president lives in the White House. Well, Number One Observatory Circle (which sits on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory) is the official residence for the vice president. VPs used to remain in their private homes, until congress agreed to refurbish the 19th-century home and make it an official residence in 1974. Walter Mondale (VP for Jimmy Carter) was the first to move in.

While the vice president often lives full-time at Number One Observatory Circle, they're still allowed to maintain ownership of their previous home and use it as a private residence.

And they're given funds to redecorate, too. Unlike the White House, the VP can decide to change any room in the house—not just the private living quarters—and are granted antiques and paintings on loan.

Kamala Harris and her husband are sure to love some of the previous renovations to the property, from George H.W. Bush’s jogging track to Dan Quayle’s swimming pool. Most recently, the Pences added beehives and a basketball court.

The existence of a bunker on the vice president’s property has been long contested. It was first mentioned in 2009 by then-Vice President Joe Biden, but his team swiftly denied it. Neighbors also claim they heard loud construction during the Bush-Cheney administration.

The vice president has a hard job and with that comes a good paycheck. Currently, the second in command brings in an annual salary of $235,100.

Unlike the president, who's salary is capped at $400,000, the vice president's pay can be adjusted for cost of living. The latest salary increase passed in 2019 and saw Mike Pence get a 1.9% raise, according to USA Today.

The VP's limo is slightly smaller than the president's (which is dubbed the beast), but is just as secure. It's also outfitted with the vice-presidential seal.

Who needs DC traffic? The VP has three Air Force helicopters available to them at all times. "I can be from the vice president's lawn to my backyard [in Wilmington, Delaware] in 40 minutes," President Joe Biden told the Wilmington News Journal when he was Vice President.

When the president or the vice president travel for an official function, the government covers the cost of all travel expenses—from car rentals to food and lodging.

The government foots the bill for official travel, but not unofficial travel. They must pay for their own food and lodging when traveling for vacation or personal reasons and have to reimburse the government for the cost of a commercial airline ticket.

After taking office, the vice president is granted protection by the Secret Service throughout their term. The agency also covers the VP's immediate family during their time in office.

While presidents get protection for life, vice presidents are only protected by the Secret Service for up to six months after their term ends. However, the Department of Homeland Security has the option to extend protection after it expires.

While they have an office in the West Wing, their primary office is set up in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is next to the White House. The building has served as the office of the vice president since 1960 and is filled with antique pieces, including a desk first used by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902.

The VP’s residential amenities are nothing compared to those at the White House. From a bowling alley and a movie theater to a putting green and basketball court, there's a lot to keep the First Family entertained. The vice president is allowed access to all of these amenities, as long as the president allows it.

While the head of the White House Medical Unit is referred to as the White House physician, they are also responsible for the health of the vice president. The medical staff is on call 24/7 for the leaders.

Camp David is often used as a respite for the president during his term. It's a getaway location where he can escape the West Wing distractions and work in peace. The vice president is often a companion for the president during these trips.

The White House is the setting for state banquets and official ceremonies, but the vice president's residence has been known to entertain everyone from Prince Charles to various visiting Prime Ministers.