How much does a fundraising manager make?
Answer: A typical fundraising manager in the United States makes $125,470 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 39,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Fundraising manager pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a fundraising manager do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Management jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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