What Fundraisers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Fundraisers this way: "Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships"; "Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs"; "Create or update donor databases"; "Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events"; "Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Fundraisers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 140,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 148,700 in 2035, an increase of 7,800 jobs (+5.5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 10,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $72,550, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Fundraisers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $79,899 in New Jersey to $80,138 in New York, a gap of $238 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $72,550 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 12,980, which is 50.8% of the 25,540 counted across them. New York follows with 12,560.
Highest-paying states
New York ($80,138) and New Jersey ($79,899) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($79,899) and New York ($80,138) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Fundraisers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Project Management Specialists, Logisticians and Compliance Officers.
Frequently asked questions about Fundraisers
What is the national median wage for Fundraisers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $72,550. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $79,899 to $80,138.
Which state pays Fundraisers the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $80,138. New Jersey is next at $79,899.
What is the job outlook for Fundraisers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 10,000 openings a year.
What education do Fundraisers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.