Bernie Sanders, the independent U.S. Senator from Vermont, has built a net worth estimated at around $3 million as of 2025. This figure comes from a combination of his political salary, book royalties, real estate holdings, and pensions.
Sanders, born on September 8, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, started his career far from wealth, working odd jobs like carpentry and documentary filmmaking before entering politics. His financial journey reflects a mix of modest beginnings and later success, particularly through his bestselling books and long tenure in public office.
Inside Bernie Sanders’ $3 Million Net Worth in 2025
Sanders’ political career began in earnest when he was elected mayor of Burlington, Vermont, in 1981, a position he held for eight years. During this time, he earned $33,700 annually, a modest sum even by 1980s standards. His financial situation remained relatively humble during his 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where his salary ranged from $90,000 to $140,000. It wasn’t until he became a U.S. Senator in 2007 that his income saw a significant bump, with an annual pay of $174,000. While this is a comfortable income, it’s his side hustles—particularly book deals—that propelled him into millionaire status.
The real game-changer for Sanders’ fortune was the success of his books. In 2016, he published Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In, which earned him over $1 million that year alone. The following year, he made another $1.1 million, with roughly $800,000 coming from book advances and royalties. By 2018, his book earnings dipped to $393,000, but the cumulative effect was substantial.
Between 2009 and 2018, Sanders and his wife, Jane, reported a combined income of $4.7 million, largely fueled by his writing. His other books, such as The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and Where We Go from Here, added to his finances, with royalties ranging from $170,000 to $850,000 in peak years.
Real estate is another pillar of Sanders’ wealth. He and Jane own three properties. Their primary home is a four-bedroom house in Chittenden County, Vermont, purchased in 2009 for $405,000, now valued at around $440,000. They also own a townhouse in Washington, D.C., bought in 2007 for $488,999, which has appreciated to an estimated $685,000. Their vacation home, a lakeside cabin in Vermont, was acquired in 2016 for $575,000, a steal compared to its original listing price of $775,000. These properties, though mortgaged, contribute significantly to his assets.
Sanders’ financial disclosures reveal other assets, including retirement accounts and joint bank balances ranging from $15,001 to $250,000. He also receives pensions from his time as mayor of Burlington and as a U.S. Senator, adding a steady stream of income. His Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k), likely holds over $1 million, given his decades of government service. Despite his wealth, Sanders maintains a frugal image, often emphasizing his working-class roots.
Critics have pointed out the irony of a self-described democratic socialist amassing millions, especially when he rails against billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Sanders defends his riches by noting that it came from hard work, not corporate greed. “I wrote a best-selling book,” he once said. “If you write a best-selling book, you can be a millionaire, too.” His 2019 tax returns, which he released under public pressure, showed an effective tax rate of 26%, aligning with his calls for higher taxes on the wealthy.
Sanders’ affluence places him in the top 1% of earners in some years, a fact that has sparked debate. During a 2023 Senate hearing, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin accused him of hypocrisy, suggesting his assets were closer to $8 million. Sanders angrily denied this, calling it “phony right-wing internet stuff.” His actual estate, while substantial, pales in comparison to many of his congressional colleagues. For instance, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia is worth over $200 million, and Senator Rick Scott of Florida boasts a $300 million fortune.
The Sanders household’s financial rise showcases the power of side hustles and long-term investments. Beyond books and real estate, Sanders’ influence has grown through his “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” launched in February 2025. The tour, featuring appearances by progressive allies like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, draws massive crowds and reinforces his brand as a champion of the working class, even as his personal wealth contradicts that image for some.
