if poet laureate is a political position (and it originally amounted to being hired to write lyrics praising the king), the pay was a butt of sherry from about 1670-1790; but there were far fewer than 18 of them, so this may not be the answer
Thanks for the two answers so far......great ideas, but there have been many more black rods and the poet laureate seems to be paid a varying amount. Thanks for the interest tho!
Thanks to everyone for their help....apparently the answer is the first 18 US presidents were each paid a salary of $25000.
Answer from the quiz master.....hmmmmmmm!!!