Salary distribution
Where Illinois fundraisers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $49,320 and $78,250, with a median of $63,360.
Fundraisers pay by experience level in Illinois
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Fundraisers in Illinois, by industry
Median offered wage across 4 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Education leads with a median of $72,749.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Northern Illinois University | 2 | $72,749 |
| Nonprofit and civic | Brothers of the Christian Schools dba Christian Brothers Major Superiors | 1 | $47,000 |
| Healthcare | Urban Christian Academy | 1 | $43,763 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Illinois over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Speech Clarity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Persuasion
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
- 02
Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
- 03
Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
- 04
Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
- 05
Create or update donor databases.
- 06
Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
- 07
Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
- 08
Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.3%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for fundraisers in major Illinois metropolitan areas.
- Chicago$64,340
Compare Fundraisers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Fundraisers in Illinois?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Fundraisers in Illinois is $63,360.
- How does Illinois compare to the national median for Fundraisers?
- The Illinois median is -7.0% versus the BLS national figure of $68,149.
- What is the salary range for Fundraisers in Illinois?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $39,410 and the 90th-percentile at $93,280, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Fundraisers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.3% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Fundraisers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.