Fundraisers
Fundraisers organize activities to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization.
Is fundraisers a good career?
It scores 20/100 and ranks #295 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($72,550)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What fundraisers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. fundraisers earn between $57,480 and $92,180 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live fundraisers jobs
No live fundraisers openings yet
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Although they may have a variety of academic backgrounds, common fields of degree include communications, business, and social science.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Laws vary by state, but states may require some types of fundraisers to register with a state authority. Check with your state
Important qualities
Communication skills. Fundraisers need to clearly explain the message and goals of their organization to prospective donors.
Decision-making skills. Fundraisers must evaluate options and choose appropriate solicitation methods for various donors.
Detail oriented. Fundraisers deal with large volumes of data, including lists of people’s names and phone numbers, and must comply with state and federal regulations. Failing to do so may result in penalties.
Interpersonal skills. Fundraisers need to develop and maintain relationships with donors.
Organizational skills. Fundraisers manage large campaigns and events. They must have strong planning and organizational skills in order to succeed.
Related occupations
How much do fundraisers make?
The national median wage is $72,550 a year, with the middle half earning between $57,480 and $92,180 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is fundraisers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 20 of 100 and ranks #295 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a fundraiser?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do fundraisers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($80,840). Local pay for every state and metro is below.