How much does a fundraising manager make?
a year · about $60 an hour
A typical fundraising manager in the United States makes $125,470 a year, about $60 an hour, about 2.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They may start at a desk planning a donation campaign, writing a grant request, or checking progress toward the goal. Later, they might meet donors, plan an event, and guide the fundraising team.
Did you know? Some U.S. fundraising managers specialize in planned gifts and need tax training for donations of stocks, bonds, charitable annuities, or real estate left in a will.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $75,130 and $222,350How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree, often in communications, public relations, or business, then build several years of related experience. CFRE certification is optional and requires fundraising experience, education, and an exam.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, location, and the employer’s field—BLS data show differences among industries and states. A specialty such as planned giving calls for extra tax knowledge, and an optional CFRE credential can show professional skill.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($169,510), lowest in Texas ($96,520).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,130 | $125,470 | $222,350 | about 39,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $169,510 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $151,740 | about 2,000 |
| Virginia | $143,730 | about 880 |
| District of Columbia | $141,720 | about 800 |
| New Jersey | $140,500 | about 750 |
Official definition: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes112033.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-2033.00
- www.cfre.org/certification/initial-certification
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY