Fundraisers
O*NET 13-1131.00 · SOC 13-1131
Fundraiser is a solid career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with +5.5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 10,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Develop and implement fundraising strategies and campaigns
- →Identify and cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors
- →Write grant proposals and fundraising appeals for organizations
- →Plan and coordinate fundraising events and donor outreach
- →Track donations and report fundraising progress to leadership
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Fundraiser roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Fundraiser involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Fundraiser?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Fundraiser Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Fundraisers is projected to grow 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·32% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Fundraiser make?
The median Fundraiser earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Fundraiser jobs?
Our model puts Fundraiser at 27 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 46% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 32% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Fundraiser a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 10,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Fundraiser?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Fundraiser roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Fundraiser?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Fundraiser career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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