The most influential figure in America’s economy earns just $190,000 a year—and he says that’s fair

Speaking in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, Fed chair Jay Powell spoke openly about just how little he earns for someone of his stature. (Credit: Valerie Plesch—Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Perhaps no single individual has more sway over the global economy than Jay Powell. 

Investors the world over hang on the Federal Reserve chair’s every word and his speeches are parsed for the slightest directional hint on U.S. interest rate policy—because his institution essentially decides on what money itself costs.