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Community, Social & Government Services career
Fundraiser
Also called: Development Officer · Major Gifts Officer · Development Director · Annual Fund Manager
What fundraisers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a fundraiser do?
Fundraisers organize events, campaigns and donor relationships to raise money and other donations for organizations such as charities, universities and hospitals. The median pay is $72,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +5.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$72,550$34.88/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.5%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year10,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs140,900Employment, 2025
What fundraisers do
Fundraisers keep missions funded. They identify and research donors, build relationships, ask for gifts, plan events and campaigns, write grant proposals and appeals, manage donor databases, thank donors and report on how gifts are used. Specialties include major gifts, annual giving, grants, planned giving and corporate partnerships.
Most fundraisers have a bachelor’s degree. The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is valued. Employment is projected to grow about as fast as average, and skilled fundraisers are in demand.
Typical duties
- Identify and research donors
- Build donor relationships
- Ask for gifts
- Plan events and campaigns
- Write appeals and grant proposals
- Manage donor databases
- Steward and thank donors
Work environment and schedule
Fundraisers work in offices, at donor meetings and events, with some travel.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with evening events and busy year-end seasons.
A day in the life
- Review donor research for today’s meetings.
- Meet a major donor for coffee.
- Draft the year-end appeal letter.
- Plan the spring gala with volunteers.
See a full day in the life of a fundraiser →
Fundraiser salary
Half of fundraisers earned more than $72,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,630 for the lowest 10% to $115,820 for the top 10%.
Full fundraiser pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a fundraiser
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Volunteer or intern
- Get an entry role
- Build a track record
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree is typical in communications, marketing, nonprofit management or a related field.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a fundraiser →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Donor research
- Solicitation
- Grant writing
- Event planning
- CRM management
People skills
- Relationship building
- Persuasion
- Persistence
- Writing
All fundraiser skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fund causes you care about
- People-focused work
- Strong demand for skilled fundraisers
- Transferable skills
Cons
- Pressure to hit goals
- Evening and weekend events
- Rejection
- Turnover in the field
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE): Leading fundraising credential.
- Grant Professional Certified (GPC): Grant credential.
- Certificate in Fundraising Management: University programs.
- Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP): Planned giving credential.
Career path
- Development Assistant: Support fundraising.
- Development Officer: Raise gifts.
- Major Gifts Officer: Lead large gifts.
- Development Director: Lead fundraising.
Learn the job before day one
Our Fundraiser training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as make a major gift ask and write a year-end appeal, safety and how to land your first job.
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Fundraiser FAQ
Do fundraisers need a degree?
A bachelor’s degree is typical.
What is the CFRE?
A widely recognized fundraising credential.
Is fundraising stressful?
Goals create pressure, but success is rewarding.
How much does a fundraiser make?
The median annual wage for fundraisers was $72,550 ($34.88 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,630 and the highest 10% earned more than $115,820.
How long does it take to become a fundraiser?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree is typical in communications, marketing, nonprofit management or a related field.
Do you need a degree to be a fundraiser?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-1131 (Fundraisers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Fundraisers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.