Simone Lawson
Political campaign managers are responsible for coordinating a campaign's operations, including fundraising, advertising, polling, and getting out the vote. The salary for this role can vary depending on the campaign's budget, the candidate's popularity, and the level of experience of the manager. While there is no standard salary for political campaign managers, sources indicate that the pay can range from $45,000 to $426,666 per year, with an average base salary of $72,057. Assistant campaign managers, who often work alongside campaign managers, can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $12.67, according to Indeed.com. This role is an excellent opportunity for those interested in politics to gain experience in a fast-paced and flexible environment, and salaries can increase with advanced degrees and managing experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $72,057 |
| Average Base Salary | $62,367 - $83,764 |
| Average Total Cash Compensation | $62,731 - $85,120 |
| Highest Pay | $112k/year |
| Lowest Pay | $45k/year |
| Salary Range | $53,546 - $94,423 |
| Average Hourly Pay | $12.67 |
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What You'll Learn
- Assistant political campaign managers' salaries vary based on experience and education
- Campaign managers' salaries are determined by the campaigns themselves
- Managers' salaries can be paid through firms or LLCs
- Campaign managers' salaries can be higher than Capitol Hill pay
- Salaries can be increased by managing more junior campaign managers
Assistant political campaign managers' salaries vary based on experience and education
Assistant political campaign managers' salaries can vary depending on several factors, including experience, education, and the specific campaign or organization they are working for.
Experience plays a crucial role in determining the salary for assistant political campaign managers. Those with more experience in campaign management, political strategy, or related fields can typically command higher salaries. This includes experience in areas such as fundraising, advertising, polling, and coordinating campaign operations. Assistant managers with prior experience in similar roles may be able to negotiate higher pay or start at a more senior level within the campaign hierarchy.
Education is another factor that can influence the salary of assistant political campaign managers. Candidates with advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D. in political science, communications, or a related field, may have higher earning potential. Higher education can open up opportunities for promotions and senior-level positions, which often come with higher salaries.
The specific campaign or organization that an assistant political campaign manager works for can also impact their salary. Campaigns with larger budgets, such as high-profile presidential campaigns or those backed by well-funded political parties, may be able to offer higher salaries to their staff. Additionally, campaigns in certain states or regions may offer different compensation packages due to variations in the cost of living or local labor market conditions.
It is worth noting that campaign work is often temporary or project-based, and salaries can vary widely depending on the duration of the campaign and the success of fundraising efforts. Additionally, some campaigns may choose to compensate their staff through firms or LLCs, which can make it difficult to determine the exact salary of assistant managers from public records or disclosure reports.
While specific salary information for assistant political campaign managers is scarce, we can look at the salaries of campaign managers and other senior staff members as a reference point. Campaign manager salaries can range from $45,000 to $210,000 per year, depending on the campaign and the individual's experience and qualifications. Other top campaign staffers, such as communications directors or political directors, can also earn salaries ranging from $100,000 to $200,000.
In summary, assistant political campaign managers' salaries can vary significantly based on their experience, education, and the specific campaign they are working for. Those with more experience and advanced education may have higher earning potential and be able to secure positions on well-funded campaigns, which typically offer higher salaries.
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Campaign managers' salaries are determined by the campaigns themselves
For example, in 2015, Robby Mook, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, was paid approximately $121,000 per year, while Patti Solis Doyle, Clinton's campaign manager eight years prior, was paid about $18,000 more per year. In the same year, Jeff Weaver, Bernie Sanders' campaign manager, earned an annual salary of about $118,000, while Frank Sadler, Carly Fiorina's campaign manager, took home around $108,000 per year.
Campaign manager salaries can also depend on the level of the campaign, with higher-level campaigns, such as presidential campaigns, potentially offering higher pay. For instance, in 2020, Susan Collins, a Republican Senator from Maine, paid her longtime chief of staff, Steve Abbott, $426,666 to manage her reelection campaign. In contrast, Jordan Doufexis, who worked as a new media manager for Alabama GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville's 2020 campaign, was paid $47,500.
Campaign managers' salaries can also vary based on their specific roles and responsibilities within the campaign. For instance, campaign managers who oversee more junior campaign managers or have additional responsibilities may earn a higher salary. Additionally, campaign managers with advanced degrees or specialized skills, such as fundraising, advertising, and polling, may have higher income potential.
It is worth noting that campaign work is often temporary or project-based, and salaries can vary depending on the duration of the campaign and the specific needs of the campaign organization. Campaign managers may also be paid through their firms or LLCs, making it difficult to determine their exact salaries from FEC reports.
While campaign manager salaries are determined by the individual campaigns, sources indicate that the average base salary for a campaign manager in the United States is between $62,367 and $83,764, with an average of $72,057. However, salaries can range from as low as $45,000 to as high as $426,666, depending on the factors mentioned above.
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Managers' salaries can be paid through firms or LLCs
The salary of a political campaign manager in the United States can vary depending on experience and the level of the campaign. Salaries can range from $53,546 to $94,423, with an average annual salary of $72,057.
Political campaigns often pay their senior staff through their firms or LLCs. For example, Ben Carson's campaign manager, Barry Bennett, earned an annual salary of $210,000, paid through a firm called Synovation Solutions. Ted Cruz's campaign manager, Jeff Roe, and director of operations, Sarah Hoeller, were also paid through their firm, Axiom Strategies, rather than directly by the campaign.
LLCs can pay their members in a variety of ways, including through salaries, draws, or distributions. If an LLC has only one member, it is taxed as a sole proprietorship, and the owner is not considered an employee and cannot receive a salary. However, if the LLC has multiple members, it is taxed as a partnership, and members who actively work for the LLC can be considered employees and receive a salary.
LLCs can also elect to be taxed as S corporations or C corporations. S corps are pass-through entities, not taxed at the federal level, while C corps are subject to double taxation, with taxes paid at both the corporate and individual levels. By electing corporation status, LLC members can receive a "reasonable" salary, with income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare withheld. This option may be preferable for members seeking steady income, such as when applying for a mortgage or loan.
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Campaign managers' salaries can be higher than Capitol Hill pay
Campaign managers are responsible for coordinating a political campaign's operations, including fundraising, advertising, polling, and getting out the vote. The salary for this position can vary depending on the campaign's budget, the candidate's popularity, and the level of experience of the campaign manager.
According to sources, the salary of a campaign manager can range from $45,000 to $210,000 per year. For example, Ben Carson's campaign manager, Barry Bennett, earned an annual salary of $210,000, while Sanders' campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, earned approximately $118,000 per year. On the other hand, some campaign managers are paid through their firms or LLCs, making it difficult to determine their exact salaries.
In comparison, Capitol Hill pay is funded by taxpayers and may not always exceed campaign pay, which is funded by private donors and special interests. For instance, Jordan Doufexis, who worked as a new media manager for Alabama GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville's campaign, earned $47,500. After the campaign, Doufexis took a position on Capitol Hill, where his salary increased to $121,889 in 2021.
It is worth noting that campaign managers who oversee more junior campaign managers may have higher earning potential due to their increased responsibilities and experience. Additionally, gaining advanced degrees can also increase the income potential and chances for promotion in this field.
While there is no standard guideline for campaign staff pay, it is clear that campaign managers' salaries can be higher than Capitol Hill pay, depending on various factors and the specific circumstances of each campaign.
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Salaries can be increased by managing more junior campaign managers
Campaign managers are responsible for developing, planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale initiatives. They also monitor their effectiveness through data collection and adjust the campaign as needed. The average base salary for a campaign manager in the United States is around $72,057, with the lowest pay being $45,000 and the highest being $94,423.
However, salaries can vary depending on the campaign's budget, the candidate's popularity, and the experience and skills of the campaign manager. For instance, Barry Bennett, the campaign manager for Ben Carson, earned an annual salary of $210,000. In contrast, Robby Mook, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, was paid approximately $121,000 per year.
Campaign managers are often highly satisfied with their jobs, and there are opportunities for salary growth. One way to increase your salary as a campaign manager is to gain experience in managing more junior campaign managers. This experience can make you more valuable to a campaign and increase your earning potential.
Additionally, campaign managers can increase their pay by changing employers or gaining advanced degrees. Moving to an employer who values your skills and is willing to pay a higher wage can be a successful strategy. Similarly, obtaining advanced degrees can open doors to promotions and higher income.
Campaign work is often fast-paced, flexible, and gratifying. It offers a unique perspective on the electoral process and the concerns of elected officials and the public. Campaign managers are in demand, and their skills are sought after by both political campaigns and companies running large-scale advertising campaigns.
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Frequently asked questions
The average base salary for an assistant political campaign manager in the United States is $32,404 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and the specific campaign or organization.
The salary of an assistant political campaign manager can be influenced by several factors, including the level of education, managing experience, and the employer. Gaining advanced degrees and acquiring relevant experience can increase income potential and lead to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, changing employers and finding organizations that value your skills can result in higher compensation.
Within a political campaign, salaries can vary significantly depending on the role. For example, a financial advisor in a political campaign may earn an average hourly wage of $32.17, while a regional director earns approximately $32,404 per year. In comparison, a campaign manager's salary can range from $45,000 to $112,000 per year, with some earning significantly more, such as Steve Abbott, who earned $426,666 for his work on a campaign.
