close races. [ 165 ] [ 166 ] Indeed, some academics consider free mailings as giving incumbents a big advantage over challengers. [ 10 ] [ 167 ] From 1789 to 1815, members of Congress received only a daily payment of $6 while in session. Members received an annual salary of $1,500 per year from 1815 to 1817, then a per diem salary of $8 from 1818 to 1855; since then they have received an annual salary, first pegged in 1855 at $3,000. [ 168 ] [ 169 ] In 1907, salaries were raised to $7,500 per year, the equivalent of $173,000 in 2010. [ 169 ] In 2006, members of Congress received a yearly salary of $165,200. [ 169 ] Congressional leaders were paid $183,500 per year. The Speaker of the House of Representatives earns $212,100 annually. The salary of the President pro tempore for 2006 was $183,500, equal to that of the majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate . [ 170 ] Privileges include having an office and paid staff. [ 117 ] In 2008, non-officer members of Congress earned $169,300 annually. [ 145 ] Some critics complain congressional pay is high compared with a median American income of $45,113 for men and $35,102 for women. [ 171 ] Others have countered that congressional pay is consistent with other branches of government. [ 145 ] In January 2014, it was reported that for the first time over half of the members of Congress are millionaires.