Pete Buttigieg Net Worth 2025 From Mayor to Transportation Secretary
Pete Buttigieg has risen from small town mayor to a national political figure, building his wealth along the way through his public service career and book sales.
Who is Pete Buttigieg?
| Name | Pete Buttigieg |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | January 19, 1982 (43) |
| Birthplace | South Bend, Indiana, U.S. |
| Main Incomes | Government salary, Book royalties, Speaking engagements |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Nationality | American |
Pete Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana. His parents were both professors at the University of Notre Dame. He attended Harvard University where he studied history and literature, graduating in 2004. After college, he received a Rhodes Scholarship and studied at Oxford University. His early career included working as a consultant at McKinsey & Company from 2007 to 2010. In 2011, at age 29, he won the election to become mayor of South Bend, Indiana, making him one of the youngest mayors of a city with over 100,000 residents.
Buttigieg served as mayor of South Bend for eight years from 2012 to 2020. During this time, he gained national attention for his work revitalizing the city. In 2019, he launched a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Though he didn’t win the nomination, his campaign raised his national profile. In February 2021, he was confirmed as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President Biden, becoming the first openly gay person to serve as a cabinet secretary. He continued in this role under President Trump’s second administration. Throughout his career, Buttigieg has been known for his intelligence, communication skills and his ability to explain complex policies in simple terms.
His Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Pete Buttigieg’s net worth is $500,000. As U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg earns an annual salary of around $221,400, which is the standard salary for cabinet secretaries. Before becoming Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg earned about $149,000 annually as the mayor of South Bend. During his presidential campaign in 2019, financial disclosures showed that he had student loan debt ranging from $100,000 to $350,000, showing that despite his impressive education and career, he was still paying off college loans like many Americans.
His financial situation improved after the publication of his books. His memoir “Shortest Way Home” (2019) and “Trust: America’s Best Chance” (2020) became bestsellers and generated significant income through book sales and advances. Public speaking engagements have also added to his income, with reports suggesting he can earn between $10,000 to $50,000 per speaking engagement.
Pete Buttigieg’s Net Worth Comparison
| Name | Net Worth | Sources of Income |
|---|---|---|
| Chasten Buttigieg | $1M | Author, educator |
| Joe Biden | $10M | Politics, book deals |
| Kamala Harris | $7M | Politics, book deals |
Investments and Business Ventures
Buttigieg’s investment portfolio is relatively modest compared to many politicians. Financial disclosures show that he has invested in retirement accounts, including 401(k) plans and IRAs. These investments mostly include index funds and mutual funds rather than individual stocks, showing a conservative investment approach focused on long term growth.
Unlike some public figures who pursue numerous business ventures, Buttigieg has primarily focused on his public service career and writing. His books represent his main business venture outside of politics. ‘Shortest Way Home’ sold particularly well following his presidential campaign, becoming a New York Times bestseller. His second book ‘Trust: America’s Best Chance’ also performed well in the market. In 2023, he released his third book, “The Road Ahead,” which discusses infrastructure and transportation in America, further adding to his income from publishing.
Buttigieg and his husband Chasten also earn rental income from a property they own in South Bend, Indiana. They purchased this home during Buttigieg’s time as mayor and after moving to Washington D.C., they decided to rent it out rather than sell it.
Pete Buttigieg’s Notable Books
| Year | Book Title | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Shortest Way Home: One Mayor’s Challenge and a Model for America’s Future | $300,000 – $400,000 |
| 2020 | Trust: America’s Best Chance | $200,000 – $300,000 |
Impact on Transportation Policy
As former Transportation Secretary, Buttigieg has overseen the implementation of major infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. This position gives him significant influence over how billions of dollars are spent on roads, bridges, railways, airports, and other transportation systems across America.
His role doesn’t directly increase his personal wealth, but it establishes him as an expert in infrastructure and transportation policy. This expertise could lead to opportunities for book deals, speaking engagements, or consulting roles after he leaves government service, potentially increasing his net worth in the future.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Pete Buttigieg came out publicly as gay in 2015 while serving as mayor. In 2018, he married Chasten Glezman, a teacher. In 2021, the couple announced they had become parents to twins, a boy and a girl. They balance their family life with Pete’s demanding role in the cabinet, and Chasten has written about their experiences as parents in his own book.
The Buttigiegs support several charitable causes, with a focus on education, LGBTQ+ rights, and community development. They have donated to scholarships for South Bend students and supported the South Bend Youth Center. Pete has worked with organizations like The Victory Fund, which helps elect LGBTQ+ candidates to public office. Though their philanthropy isn’t as large-scale as some wealthier politicians, they regularly contribute to causes aligned with their values.
Buttigieg has also dedicated time to mentoring young people interested in public service. He has returned to Harvard and other universities to speak with students about careers in government. This mentorship represents a form of giving back that doesn’t always get measured in financial terms.
FAQs
What languages does Pete Buttigieg speak?
Pete Buttigieg speaks several languages including Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Maltese, Arabic, Dari Persian, and French, in addition to English. He taught himself Norwegian to read a novel by a Norwegian author.
Did Pete Buttigieg serve in the military?
Yes, Buttigieg served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve from 2009 to 2017, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. In 2014, he took a leave of absence as mayor to deploy to Afghanistan for seven months.
What was Pete Buttigieg’s education?
Buttigieg graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature. As a Rhodes Scholar, he then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University.
