Business & Finance Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Fundraiser Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median fundraiser salary in Cleveland, OH is $55,178 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$55,178
vs State Avg
$-2,566
vs National
$-8,982
Cost of Living
86%

Fundraiser Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median fundraiser salary of $55,178, which is $2,566 below the Ohio state average of $57,744. Compared to the national median of $64,160, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $55,178 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for fundraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fundraisers in Cleveland spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $98,900 at the 90th percentile — a $67,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,880. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fundraiser Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,880
$-15,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $39,560
Median (50th) $55,178
75th Percentile $75,680
90th Percentile $98,900

Fundraiser Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$60,952
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$57,744
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$53,894
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$52,611
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Fundraiser in Cleveland

Education

Most fundraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open fundraiser positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Fundraiser make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $55,178 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $98,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,178, a fundraiser in Cleveland earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for fundraiser pay? ▼
Cleveland's median fundraiser salary of $55,178 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $57,744. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a fundraiser salary of $55,178 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Cleveland? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Cleveland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.