Fundraising Managers

SOC code 11-2033 · O*NET-SOC 11-2033.00 · Considerable preparation needed

Fundraising Managers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$125,470

a year

Hourly

$60.32

per hour

10th$75,130Median$125,47090th$222,350

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$140,020

$67.32 per hour

Middle 50%

$95,970 – $169,990

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$75,130 – $222,350

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

38,810

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $75,130; $36.12/hr
25th percentile: $95,970; $46.14/hr
Median percentile: $125,470; $60.32/hr
75th percentile: $169,990; $81.73/hr
90th percentile: $222,350; $106.90/hr

What does a fundraising manager do?

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
Manage fundraising budgets.
Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement fundraising strategies and programs.
Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.
Establish goals for soliciting funds, develop policies for collection and safeguarding of contributions, and coordinate disbursement of funds.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new fundraising opportunities.
Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.

How to become a fundraising manager

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree65%
Some College Courses20%
Master's Degree11%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%

Common questions

How much does a fundraising manager earn?

The national median is $125,470 a year. The full range runs from $75,130 at the 10th percentile to $222,350 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a fundraising manager without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.1/5
Critical Thinking4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Writing3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Administration and Management4.3/5
Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
Administrative4.2/5
English Language4.1/5
Sales and Marketing3.8/5
Economics and Accounting3.5/5
Communications and Media3.4/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Persuasion, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.