Omar Bennett
Campaign workers play a crucial role in the democratic process, working behind the scenes to help candidates get elected to government offices. These workers are responsible for a range of tasks, from calling voters and sending out flyers to advertising and arranging campaign appearances. The work can be stressful and demanding, requiring long days and a constant availability to the candidate. But do these campaign workers get paid, and if so, how much? This question is especially pertinent given that the pay rates for campaign staff are not regulated by the FEC or any other governmental body, leaving campaigns to determine their own compensation structures. This article will explore the salaries of campaign workers, the factors influencing their pay, and the potential for career advancement in this field.
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What You'll Learn
Campaign worker salaries vary based on location and experience
Campaign workers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including calling voters, sending out fliers, advertising, and arranging campaign appearances. The pay for campaign workers varies depending on location and experience, with senior staff members earning higher salaries.
In the United States, the average yearly salary for a political campaign worker is around $60,462, with a median of $71,332. The lowest salary reported for this position is $53,499, while the highest is $97,239. Hourly wages for campaign workers can range from $8.17 to $42.55 per hour, with an average of $20.57 per hour across the country.
Location plays a significant factor in determining the salary of campaign workers. For example, New York ranks first out of 50 states for political campaign staff salaries, with cities like Green River, Wyoming, and San Francisco, California, offering salaries above the national average. The possibility of a lower cost of living in certain locations may also influence the salary for campaign workers.
Experience and skill level also impact the pay for campaign workers. As campaign workers gain experience, they can advance to positions like field organizers or data analysts, which likely come with higher salaries. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts faster-than-average employment growth for community and social service specialists, a category closely related to political campaign workers, indicating potential opportunities for career advancement and increased pay.
It is worth noting that some campaign workers who perform tasks like answering phones, preparing mailings, and posting fliers may be unpaid volunteers. Additionally, federal officeholders are not allowed to receive compensation from campaign funds, but nonincumbent candidates may receive compensation under certain conditions. Ultimately, the campaigns themselves determine how much to compensate their staff, and salaries can vary widely.
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Campaign workers' responsibilities vary depending on the candidate
Campaign workers are responsible for a variety of tasks that help political candidates get elected. The specific responsibilities of a campaign worker can vary depending on the candidate they are working for and the level of government office they are seeking. For example, campaign workers for a local mayoral candidate will have different tasks than those working for a presidential candidate.
Campaign workers often play a crucial role in communicating the candidate's message to the public. This may involve making phone calls to voters, distributing promotional materials like flyers, and advertising through various media channels such as television, radio, and the internet. They may also be tasked with arranging campaign appearances and events for the candidate, ensuring that the candidate's schedule is organized and runs smoothly. Additionally, campaign workers can be involved in handling budgets and expenses, fundraising activities, and managing press relations.
As campaign workers gain experience, they may advance to positions such as field organizers, who coordinate events and travel with the candidate, or data analysts, who collect and interpret demographic data about the candidate's potential voters. These more specialized roles require a strong understanding of the candidate's platform and goals, as well as specific skill sets.
The pay for campaign workers can vary significantly depending on the candidate, the level of government office sought, and the worker's position within the campaign. According to various sources, the average yearly salary for a campaign worker in the United States ranges from $53,499 to $71,332, with hourly rates ranging from $12.67 to $42.55. However, it is worth noting that some campaign workers, especially those performing entry-level tasks like answering phones and posting flyers, may be unpaid volunteers.
Overall, the responsibilities of campaign workers are diverse and adaptable, catering to the unique needs of each candidate. The nature of the work can be demanding, requiring long hours and a constant state of availability to the candidate. Nevertheless, it provides an exciting opportunity to engage in the political process and contribute to the success of a political campaign.
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Campaign workers' salaries are not regulated by the FEC
Campaign work can be very stressful and requires long days and weekends. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts faster-than-average employment growth for campaign workers through 2032. The work is tedious, and campaign workers may be discouraged by the apathy of the general public towards politics and government.
Some campaign workers are unpaid. These workers typically answer phones, prepare mailings, and post fliers. As they gain experience, they can move into paid positions such as field organizers or data analysts.
Some campaign managers earn as much as $156,000 per year, while senior staff members can earn over $100,000.
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Campaign workers can be promoted to higher-paying roles
In larger campaigns, like a US presidential campaign, there can be hundreds of staff members, each with their own specific roles. These roles can include field organizers, who are the lowest level of field staff and are responsible for direct voter contact and assisting the Deputy Director. There are also GOTV ("Get Out the Vote") coordinators, who are brought in during the final months of the campaign to plan local GOTV efforts, including voter persuasion and identification. The research staff plays a crucial role in "opposition research," which involves gathering information about the opponent as well as their own candidate. The creative team manages visual communications, ensuring consistency in campaign materials and merchandise through web design, graphic design, and advertising.
The operations department in larger campaigns handles internal functions such as human resources, IT and cybersecurity, financial operations, and field operations. Within the financial operations, the treasurer and finance director play key roles in ensuring accurate financial reporting and developing realistic fundraising goals. The communications department, which sometimes includes the research staff, oversees press relations and advertising.
Now, let's discuss the path to higher-paying roles for campaign workers:
- Skill development and experience: Campaign workers can increase their value by developing skills in areas such as digital marketing, online campaigns, coding, and data analysis. Gaining experience in these high-demand areas can lead to higher-paying roles.
- Geographic location: Moving to a different state or city can impact a campaign worker's salary. For example, New York ranks number 1 out of 50 states for Political Campaign Staff salaries. Cities like Green River, WY, San Mateo, CA, and San Francisco, CA, offer salaries above the national average, providing opportunities for economic advancement.
- Networking and connections: Building a strong network within the political sphere is crucial for career advancement. Campaign workers should cultivate connections with alumni, repeat campaign workers, and individuals affiliated with partisan groups. These connections can open doors to higher-paying roles in more prominent campaigns.
- Performance and results: Campaign workers who consistently deliver outstanding performance and tangible results are more likely to be noticed and considered for promotions or higher-paying positions. Going above and beyond in your current role can increase your chances of advancement.
- Seniority and specialization: As campaign workers gain experience and seniority, they can move into more specialized roles that command higher salaries. Roles such as campaign manager, treasurer, or finance director often come with increased responsibilities and higher pay.
By following these paths and continuously developing their skills, campaign workers can increase their chances of being promoted to higher-paying roles within the political campaign sphere.
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Campaign workers' salaries are based on the campaign's budget
Campaign workers' salaries are highly dependent on the campaign's budget. Campaigns determine how much they compensate staff members, and this can vary widely. For example, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who ran for president in 2020, paid her campaign manager, Roger Lau, about $13,000 a month, which amounts to an annual salary of $156,000. In contrast, Misty Rebik, the executive director of the 2020 presidential campaign committee Friends of Bernie Sanders, reported earning $110,909 for her work on the campaign.
The average salary for a political campaign worker in the United States is around $60,000 to $70,000 per year, with some sources placing it as low as $53,499 and others as high as $71,332. The hourly rate for campaign staff can vary from $8.17 to $42.55 per hour, with an average of around $20 per hour.
The specific role within the campaign also affects pay rates. For example, campaign managers can earn up to $73,228 per year, while assistants might make around $32,404 annually. Additionally, the location of the campaign can impact salaries, with certain cities offering higher wages. For instance, Green River, Wyoming, San Mateo, California, and San Francisco, California, are among the top cities with above-average salaries for campaign staff.
It is worth noting that some campaign workers are unpaid, particularly those who perform more administrative tasks such as answering phones, preparing mailings, and posting flyers. As campaign workers gain experience, they can move into roles with higher pay, such as field organizers or data analysts. The work of a campaign worker can be demanding, requiring long hours and a constant availability to the candidate. Despite the challenges, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts faster-than-average employment growth for community and social service specialists, a category closely related to political campaign workers.
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Frequently asked questions
Campaign workers do get paid, but the pay can vary depending on the role, location, and experience. The average hourly pay for a political campaign staff in the United States is $20.57, with wages ranging from $8.17 to $42.55. The average yearly salary for a campaign worker is around $60,000, with some sources giving a higher estimate of $71,332.
The pay of campaign workers can depend on several factors, including skill level, location, and years of experience. Certain cities, such as Green River, Wyoming, and San Francisco, California, offer higher salaries for campaign staff. Additionally, as campaign workers gain experience and move into senior roles, their pay can increase significantly.
Campaign work can be stressful and demanding, requiring long days and weekends. Campaign workers need to be available to the candidate at all times and must be able to handle various tasks, such as budgeting, fundraising, and press relations. While the work can be exciting, it may also be tedious and discouraging due to public apathy towards politics.
