Turns out Bill Gates and his buddy at Microsoft Steve Ballmer, both saw their total compensation decline last year.

I know, I know. You guys are very upset.

Microsoft Chairman Gates saw his total take for the year drop to $966,667 from $1 million. And Balmer, the computer software giant’s CEO, experienced a shrinking paycheck – down to $976,149 from $1,009,073 in the prior year.

But just in case you’re worried about whether Gates will able to pay the big bucks for his shnazy designer duds or trendy hairstyle don’t. Gates still ranks as the richest man on earth to the tune of $53 billion. Yes, I said billion. And Ballmer comes in number 15th on the Forbes list with $13.6 billion.

Hey, they’re still rich beyond comprehension, but at a time when executive compensation is mushrooming and wages for the rank and file are stagnating, it’s at least a little token for the daily grinders wondering if they’re going to be able to make the mortgage this month.