Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have related experience, such as from working with a nonprofit organization in an internship or as a volunteer. PayThe median annual wage for fundraisers was $72,550 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fundraisers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fundraisers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for fundraisers was $72,550 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fundraisers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fundraisers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fundraisers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fundraisers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Fundraisers organize activities to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization.
Work Environment
Fundraisers work primarily for nonprofit organizations. They spend time in an office setting, although they also may travel to meet with prospective donors or to attend events. Most fundraisers work full time.
How to Become a Fundraiser
Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have related experience, such as from working with a nonprofit organization in an internship or as a volunteer.
Pay
The median annual wage for fundraisers was $72,550 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fundraisers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fundraisers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Fundraisers work primarily for nonprofit organizations. They spend time in an office setting, although they also may travel to meet with prospective donors or to attend events. Most fundraisers work full time.
How to Become a Fundraiser
Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have related experience, such as from working with a nonprofit organization in an internship or as a volunteer.
Pay
The median annual wage for fundraisers was $72,550 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fundraisers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fundraisers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for fundraisers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of fundraisers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about fundraisers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.