How to become fundraiserseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$72,550

25th–75th pct. $57,480–$92,180

Top pay (est.)

$150,600

Top 10% $115,820

Pay in 5 years

$83,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$95,100est.

$81,800–$110,400

Outlook score

60/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

61%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+5.5%

10K openings / yr

How to become fundraisers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Fundraisers

Key skills

Persuasion

4.4

Speaking

4.4

Writing

4.1

Active Listening

4.1

Critical Thinking

4.0

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.9

Coordination

3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.5

Sales and Marketing

5.1

English Language

4.7

Administration and Management

4.4

Administrative

4.4

Mathematics

3.9

Economics and Accounting

3.9

Computers and Electronics

3.8

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGetting InformationSelling or Influencing OthersUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionSpeech ClarityOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningFluency of IdeasSpeech Recognition

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

90%

Master's degree

Post-bachelor's certificate

Training before entry

None / short demo

33%

6–12 months

24%

Up to 1 month

19%

3–6 months

14%

1–3 months

10%

Related work experience

2–4 years

43%

4–6 years

24%

Over 10 years

10%

1–2 years

10%

6–8 years

10%

Up to 1 month

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as fundraisers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.