Fundraisers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Fundraisers in the United States earn a median salary of $72,550 per year — about $35 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 134K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +4%.
AI & Automation Risk
Fundraising involves significant digital work including donor research, data analysis, and the creation of promotional messaging, all of which are highly susceptible to AI automation and enhancement. While major gift solicitation and event management require high-level interpersonal skills and physical presence, the majority of the administrative, analytical, and communication-based tasks are moving toward AI-driven workflows.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $106,760 | Above avg (110.4) | $96,683 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $80,250 | Below avg (86.7) | $92,600 |
| Ames, IA | $80,430 | Below avg (88.8) | $90,544 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $80,480 | Below avg (90.9) | $88,565 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $84,090 | Below avg (95.9) | $87,660 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $79,150 | Below avg (90.8) | $87,189 |
| Merced, CA | $84,570 | Average (98.3) | $86,054 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $78,200 | Below avg (92.7) | $84,349 |
| Bismarck, ND | $76,270 | Below avg (91.0) | $83,791 |
| Salisbury, MD | $79,570 | Below avg (95.6) | $83,217 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $78,640 | Below avg (95.1) | $82,687 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $75,520 | Below avg (91.9) | $82,166 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $82,340 | Average (100.2) | $82,140 |
| Binghamton, NY | $76,250 | Below avg (92.9) | $82,110 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $75,440 | Below avg (92.0) | $81,962 |