Jonah Patel
Working on a political campaign can be a great opportunity for those interested in politics to develop and refine a wide range of skills. Campaign work can often lead to other opportunities, and it gives a unique insight into the electoral process and the concerns of elected officials and the public. While some people may start as volunteers, especially if they don't have prior campaign experience, there are a variety of paid roles available, with salaries depending on the campaign's budget and the role's seniority and function.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salary determination | Campaigns decide how much to compensate staff members. |
| Salary range | From approximately $12.67 per hour for Assistant to $32.17 per hour for Financial Advisor. |
| Annual salary range | From approximately $32,404 per year for Regional Director to $73,228 per year for Campaign Manager. |
| Campaign manager salary | Elizabeth Warren paid her campaign manager, Roger Lau, about $13,000 a month or $156,000 annually. |
| Chief of staff salary | Steve Abbott, Susan Collins' longtime chief of staff, earned $426,666 for his work on the 2020 campaign. |
| Policy team head salary | Elizabeth Warren paid Jon Donenberg, the head of her policy team, a salary of $153,857 in 2018, which increased to $171,774 in 2021. |
| Executive director salary | Misty Rebik, the executive director of the 2020 presidential campaign committee Friends of Bernie Sanders, earned $110,909. |
| Volunteer work | Volunteers may have their living costs reduced through various forms of support. |
| Independent consultant | Depending on the campaign structure, some workers may be hired as independent consultants without medical insurance or other benefits. |
| Payment frequency | Most paid positions are paid weekly. |
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What You'll Learn
Campaign work can lead to jobs in the private sector or nonprofits
Campaign work can be a great stepping stone to jobs in the private sector or nonprofits. Working on a political campaign offers the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. These skills are highly valued by employers in both the private sector and nonprofits. For instance, campaign work allows individuals to hone their project management, teamwork, and communication skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure and interact with diverse groups of people.
While campaign positions may not offer immediate monetary rewards, they can open doors to future career opportunities. Many firms, especially those with political law or government relations practices, view campaign experience as a valuable asset. They recognize that individuals with campaign experience possess a unique perspective on the electoral process and an understanding of the priorities of elected officials and the public. This knowledge can be advantageous in private sector roles, particularly in areas of political law, government relations, or public affairs.
Nonprofits also appreciate the skill set gained through campaign work. If you have experience in the policy shop of a campaign, you can showcase your ability to develop and communicate policy initiatives, which is highly relevant to issue-oriented nonprofits. Additionally, campaign work demonstrates your ability to manage projects and work collaboratively, which are essential skills in the nonprofit sector.
It is worth noting that campaign work can be demanding and may require long hours, especially as Election Day approaches. However, it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the democratic process and make a meaningful impact. For those with political aspirations or an interest in public service, campaign work can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can pave the way for future career success in the private sector or nonprofits.
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Campaigns determine staff pay, which varies
The pay for campaign staff is determined by the campaigns themselves, and it can vary significantly. Campaigns have to consider the specific role, experience, and skills of the individual when determining compensation. For example, senior operatives and those with prior campaign experience may command higher salaries. Additionally, the campaign's financial situation, such as its fundraising status, can influence the pay structure. Some campaigns may start with volunteers and transition to paid positions as funding increases.
The responsibilities associated with different roles in a campaign can also impact pay. Campaign managers, for instance, have a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the entire campaign. They often have extensive experience and are well-connected, which can result in higher salaries. According to Indeed.com, the average yearly salary for a campaign manager is $73,228. In contrast, other positions, such as assistants, may receive lower hourly wages, with an average of $12.67 per hour, according to the same source.
The variation in pay is also influenced by the level of the campaign, whether it is a presidential, congressional, or regional campaign. For example, presidential campaigns often have larger budgets and can offer more competitive salaries. In 2020, Senator Susan Collins' campaign manager, Steve Abbott, earned $426,666 for his work, showcasing the potential for substantial earnings in high-level campaigns.
Additionally, the length of the campaign should be considered. For instance, a campaign lasting several months will likely pay more than a shorter campaign, even if the hourly or daily rate is comparable. The pay structure may also depend on whether the staff members are full-time campaign employees or have outside commitments. Some staffers may work double shifts, dividing their time between their regular jobs and campaign work.
While the FEC and other governmental bodies do not provide specific guidelines on staff pay, there are regulations in place regarding candidate salaries. These regulations stipulate that a candidate's salary from campaign funds must not exceed 50% of the minimum annual salary of a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives or the candidate's average annual income over the previous five years. This regulation aims to prevent the personal use of campaign funds and ensure compliance with contribution and expenditure limitations.
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Campaign managers are well-paid
Campaign managers are responsible for coordinating all aspects of a political campaign, including fundraising, advertising, polling, and getting out the vote. They are often the most visible leader of the campaign after the candidate and work to ensure the campaign runs smoothly.
The salary of a campaign manager can vary depending on the campaign and the individual's experience. For example, Roger Lau, the campaign manager for Elizabeth Warren's 2020 presidential campaign, was paid $156,000 annually. Other campaign managers, like Jeff Weaver for Sanders' campaign, earned an annual salary of about $118,000, while Barry Bennett, the campaign manager for Ben Carson's campaign, earned $210,000 per year.
In addition to salary, campaign work offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills and connections that can lead to future career opportunities, especially for those with political aspirations. Campaign managers can gain experience in project management, working under pressure, getting results, and interacting with diverse groups of people, making them attractive candidates for jobs in the private sector or with political law or government relations practices.
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Senior staff are paid more than entry-level positions
Working on political campaigns can be a great opportunity to develop and refine skills in a fast-paced and flexible environment. While the experience itself is rewarding, it is also important to understand the compensation structure for different roles within a campaign. Senior staff members are typically paid more than entry-level positions, and their salaries can vary significantly depending on various factors.
Senior staff members in political campaigns often possess specialized skills and expertise that are highly valued. Their roles tend to have a more significant impact on the campaign's overall success, and they may have more responsibilities and decision-making power. These individuals often have years of experience in politics, communications, or other relevant fields, which contributes to their higher salaries.
For example, campaign managers are crucial to the smooth running of any campaign, regardless of its scale. They integrate all campaign functions, direct traffic, and ensure the campaign stays on message. Their duties include writing press releases, finding venues, conducting polls, and preparing candidates for interviews. The pay for campaign managers can vary, with salaries ranging from $1,000 per month for a small campaign to an average of $73,228 per year for a presidential campaign.
In addition to campaign managers, other senior roles that command higher salaries include communications directors, digital strategists, and policy advisors. These positions often require a unique set of skills and experience, which justifies their higher compensation. For instance, Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign paid her senior staff approximately $156,000 annually, demonstrating the significant investment campaigns make in their senior staff.
Entry-level positions in political campaigns, on the other hand, often serve as a stepping stone for individuals interested in gaining experience and building a career in politics. These positions may not offer competitive salaries, but they provide valuable connections and opportunities for advancement. As political strategist Alex Hays notes, "There's always the most need in the lowest-level campaigns...The hours will be long [and] the pay will be terrible, but the prospects for advancement are great."
While the financial rewards may not be immediate, entry-level staff can gain invaluable experience and build a strong network that can benefit their future careers. Many senior staff members in politics often start from these entry-level positions, showcasing the potential for growth and increased earning power within the industry.
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Campaign work can be voluntary
While most volunteer jobs are unpaid, some organizations offer compensation in the form of paid living expenses, stipends, or reimbursements. Organizations that typically offer volunteer payment include nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies such as the United Nations or U.S. State Department. These organizations may compensate volunteers for expenses such as lodging, food, visas, transportation, medical insurance, and vaccinations. However, it is important to note that offering compensation to volunteers can lead to legal complexities, as it may be considered a form of employment in certain states, thus triggering minimum wage laws and workers' compensation requirements.
Some political campaigns may provide different forms of support for their volunteers, which can help to reduce living costs. For example, during the 2020 election cycle, a former staffer reported having both official and campaign computers open at home, allowing them to work remotely. Additionally, volunteers may be able to negotiate certain benefits, such as reimbursement for gas or grocery vouchers.
Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, allowing individuals to use their skills to contribute to a cause they care about. It is important to carefully consider the organization's needs and ensure that any compensation offered does not create ethical or legal complications.
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Frequently asked questions
The pay for campaign workers varies depending on the campaign and the role. Salaries for campaign managers range from approximately $32,404 per year to $73,228 per year. In 2020, Senator Elizabeth Warren paid her campaign manager, Roger Lau, an annualized salary of $156,000.
The FEC and other governmental bodies do not provide guidance to campaigns on how much to pay their workers. However, there are rules regarding the use of campaign funds to pay candidates. For example, a nonincumbent candidate may receive compensation from their principal campaign committee, but it must not exceed 50% of the minimum annual salary paid to a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Working on a political campaign can provide valuable connections and experience, especially for those with political aspirations or interests in political law. It can also help develop a set of skills that are highly valued in the private sector, such as project management, working under pressure, and teamwork.
Most paid positions on political campaigns are paid weekly. However, the compensation may be meager, especially for entry-level positions.
