Omar Bennett
Political campaigns are a costly affair, with the price tag rising faster than inflation over time. In the US, the money for campaigns for federal offices falls into four categories: small and large individual contributors, political action committees (PACs), and political parties. The involvement of wealthy individuals and the rising cost of campaigns have sparked public concern about the influence of money in politics and the potential for corruption. Campaigns offer a range of paid and volunteer positions, with salaries varying based on factors like skill level, location, and experience. While some positions are highly sought-after and often filled by connections, volunteers play a crucial role and can work their way up to more stable and senior roles.
Do political campaigns cost people jobs?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salary | The average hourly pay for a Political Campaign Staff in the United States is $20.57 an hour as of February 2025. The average yearly salary ranges from $32,404 for a Regional Director to $73,228 for a Campaign Manager. |
| Salary Caps | The House and Senate ethics committees have rules about what staffers are and are not allowed to do if they want to take on two jobs. |
| Salary Determinants | The campaigns alone determine how much they compensate staff members. |
| Volunteer Work | Volunteers perform the bulk of the low-level jobs in every campaign. Volunteers can rise rapidly in a re-election staff, and this is a common way to acquire the credentials that can lead to a career working on major political campaigns. |
| Connections | Few high-profile jobs are given to sudden volunteers. Senior campaign staff will look to those who are already involved with the campaign to take on positions of greater responsibility. |
| Campaign Costs | Money spent on campaigns in the 21st century has risen faster than inflation over time. The cost of political campaigning has risen with every election in recent years. |
| Campaign Funding | Political parties are also raising much more money in elections, which they donate to or spend on behalf of candidates. Laws regulating campaign donations, spending, and public funding have been enacted at the federal level and are enforced by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). |
| Large Donors | There is public concern over the influence of large donors in political campaigns. Laws have been enacted to reduce the role of money in politics. |
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What You'll Learn
- The cost of political campaigns has been rising faster than inflation
- Volunteers are often the backbone of campaigns, but they are unpaid
- The pay for paid campaign positions varies widely
- Campaign jobs are often highly sought after, and connections matter
- Large donors and bundlers can have a lot of influence over campaigns
The cost of political campaigns has been rising faster than inflation
The increasing cost of campaigns can be attributed to the rising use of sophisticated technology and professional resources. Campaigns now utilize slick mass mailings, tightly choreographed press conferences, and "photo ops", in addition to websites and online chat rooms. The management of these resources has demanded a higher level of professionalization in the field.
The sources of campaign financing have also changed over time. While small individual contributors still play a role, large individual contributors, including billionaires and other super-wealthy individuals, now comprise a disproportionate share of campaign financing. In the summer of 2015, during the 2016 presidential campaign cycle, fewer than 400 super-wealthy families contributed nearly half of the total donations. This has raised public concern over the influence of large donors, with 74% of Americans surveyed in 2018 agreeing that it is "very" important that large donors not have more political influence than others.
To address these concerns, laws have been enacted to regulate campaign donations, spending, and public funding. These laws are enforced by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which is an independent federal agency. Nonprofit, non-governmental organizations also play a role in tracking how money is raised and spent in campaigns. Despite these efforts, the cost of political campaigns continues to rise, outpacing inflation and shaping the landscape of modern politics.
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Volunteers are often the backbone of campaigns, but they are unpaid
Volunteers are essential to political campaigns. They are the backbone of the campaign, tirelessly traversing neighbourhoods, talking to residents, and distributing leaflets. They also provide services to help people get to their polling stations, maximising voter turnout. Volunteers can also use their own homes or community spaces for campaign-related activities, such as meetings or events, without making a financial contribution. This flexibility in the use of spaces and the time volunteers offer is a huge asset to any campaign.
Campaigning is a great way to gain experience and develop a wide range of skills in a fast-paced environment. Volunteers can gain insight into the electoral process and the concerns of the public and officials. It is also a way to network and gain connections that can be beneficial for future career prospects, especially for those with political or legal aspirations. Volunteers can turn their experience into paid positions as campaigns progress and expand, and they are often considered for positions of greater responsibility.
However, volunteering is unpaid work and can be time-consuming, requiring a significant commitment. While some may be able to afford the time, others may not, which can limit the pool of volunteers. Volunteers need to be careful not to participate in the decision-making processes of the campaign and must not be involved in the management of the committee. They must also be mindful of the rules regarding reimbursement for the use of facilities, as campaigns are required to report these as in-kind contributions.
Despite the lack of financial compensation, volunteers are vital to the success of political campaigns. Their hard work and dedication enable politicians to spread their messages and connect with voters. Without volunteers, campaigns would struggle to function effectively.
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The pay for paid campaign positions varies widely
For example, FEC records show that Elizabeth Warren's campaign manager, Roger Lau, earned an annual salary of $156,000. In contrast, another campaign manager disclosed earning $426,666 for their work on a different campaign in 2020.
According to Indeed, the average Political Campaign hourly pay ranges from $12.67 per hour for Assistant roles to $32.17 per hour for Financial Advisor positions. The average annual salary ranges from $32,404 for Regional Directors to $73,228 for Campaign Managers.
ZipRecruiter reports a similar hourly pay range of $13.70 (25th percentile) to $23.32 (75th percentile) for Political Campaign Staff wages across the United States. However, they also note that wages can be as high as $42.55 per hour in certain cities.
It is worth noting that campaign work is not always about immediate monetary rewards. Many people take on campaign positions to gain connections and develop valuable skills that can benefit their long-term career trajectories, especially if they have political aspirations.
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Campaign jobs are often highly sought after, and connections matter
Campaign jobs are often highly sought-after positions, offering a unique perspective into the electoral process and providing an opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. While these roles may not always be well-paid, they are attractive to those seeking connections and experience in the political sphere.
Communications and policy work are among the most sought-after roles, and inside connections are typically required to secure these positions. Those with political aspirations understand that working in these roles for free can lead to valuable connections that will benefit their career in the long run.
Volunteering is a common way to get a foot in the door, and campaigns often rely on volunteers to perform a variety of tasks. Those who demonstrate commitment and put in the hours are more likely to be considered for paid positions as the campaign gains momentum and requires additional staff. Senior campaign staff tend to promote from within, so showing initiative and building relationships with existing staff members can increase the chances of securing a more stable and prominent role.
Building a strong professional network is crucial in the campaign world. This includes leveraging personal connections, such as former colleagues, friends, and even old classmates, who can provide introductions, share leads, and offer recommendations. Joining online communities, participating in relevant groups, and maintaining an up-to-date LinkedIn profile can also expand one's network and increase visibility among potential employers.
While connections play a significant role in landing a campaign job, it is not the sole factor. A well-crafted resume that highlights relevant experience and a concise cover letter expressing one's interests and flexibility can also set candidates apart. Demonstrating a willingness to take on field positions, such as field organizers or field managers, which are often more readily available, can increase the chances of getting hired.
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Large donors and bundlers can have a lot of influence over campaigns
Large donors and bundlers can have a significant influence on political campaigns, and this is a cause for concern for many Americans. In 2018, 74% of Americans surveyed believed it was "very important" that major political donors not have more influence than others. However, 72% felt that this was "not at all" or "not too much" the case, indicating a perception of disproportionate influence.
The influence of wealthy donors and special interest groups has been exacerbated by Supreme Court decisions, such as Citizens United v. FEC, which removed previously established limits on campaign spending. This has resulted in a situation where a handful of wealthy donors and corporations dominate electoral spending, with Super PACs allowing unlimited contributions that drown out the voices of ordinary citizens.
The 2020 federal election campaigns in the United States exemplified this trend, attracting nearly $14 billion in spending, more than double the amount spent in 2016. The sources of this funding are often obscured, with dark money groups preventing voters from knowing the identities of donors. This lack of transparency further contributes to the perception of undue influence by large donors.
To address these concerns, various solutions have been proposed, including limits on campaign spending, increased transparency through disclosure laws, and public financing options such as small donor matching programs. These measures aim to reduce the influence of large donors and bundlers, ensuring that political campaigns are more representative of the electorate's interests.
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Frequently asked questions
Political campaigns are organised efforts that aim to influence political decision-making and policy. Campaigns can be led by candidates, political parties, or interest groups, and they are often characterised by intense deadline pressure and long working hours.
The pay for campaign work varies greatly depending on the role, location, and experience of the individual. In the United States, hourly wages can range from as low as $8.17 to upwards of $42 per hour. Senior positions, such as campaign managers, tend to be the highest-paid roles and can earn salaries of several hundred thousand dollars for a single campaign.
Campaign work is often highly sought-after, and connections are crucial in securing these roles. Many people start as volunteers, especially on smaller, local campaigns, and work their way up. It is also common for members of Congress to hire campaign staff directly from their official pool of employees.
Campaign financing in the United States has come under scrutiny in recent years due to the influence of large donors and the disproportionate contribution of the super-wealthy. Campaigns are financed through a combination of small and large individual contributions, as well as money from political parties and PACs (Political Action Committees). The cost of campaigns has been rising faster than inflation, with an estimated $16.7 billion spent on the 2021-2022 election cycle.
