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.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
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
Public relations and fundraising managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, and some positions may require a master’s degree. Many years of related work experience are also necessary. PayThe median annual wage for fundraising managers was $125,470 in May 2025.The median annual wage for public relations managers was $146,910 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for public relations and fundraising managers 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 public relations and fundraising managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of public relations and fundraising managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers 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 fundraising managers was $125,470 in May 2025.The median annual wage for public relations managers was $146,910 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for public relations and fundraising managers 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 public relations and fundraising managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of public relations and fundraising managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for public relations and fundraising managers 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 public relations and fundraising managers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of public relations and fundraising managers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Public relations managers direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.
Work Environment
Public relations and fundraising managers generally work in offices during regular business hours. However, many of these managers travel to give speeches and to attend meetings and community activities. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Public Relations or Fundraising Manager
Public relations and fundraising managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, and some positions may require a master’s degree. Many years of related work experience are also necessary.
Pay
The median annual wage for fundraising managers was $125,470 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for public relations managers was $146,910 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,800 openings for public relations and fundraising managers 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 public relations and fundraising managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of public relations and fundraising managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Public relations and fundraising managers generally work in offices during regular business hours. However, many of these managers travel to give speeches and to attend meetings and community activities. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Public Relations or Fundraising Manager
Public relations and fundraising managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, and some positions may require a master’s degree. Many years of related work experience are also necessary.
Pay
The median annual wage for fundraising managers was $125,470 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for public relations managers was $146,910 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,800 openings for public relations and fundraising managers 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 public relations and fundraising managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of public relations and fundraising managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers 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 public relations and fundraising managers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of public relations and fundraising managers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about public relations and fundraising managers 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.