Business & Finance Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Fundraiser Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median fundraiser salary in Arlington, VA is $87,899 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median and 25.7% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$87,899
vs State Avg
+$17,965
vs National
+$23,739
Cost of Living
132%

Fundraiser Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median fundraiser salary of $87,899, which is $17,965 above the Virginia state average of $69,934. Compared to the national median of $64,160, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,899 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $66,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for fundraisers in Arlington spans from $49,320 at the 10th percentile to $157,550 at the 90th percentile — a $108,230 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,060, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,960. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fundraiser Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $52,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,060
+$14,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,420
+$24,420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,960
+$39,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $49,320
25th Percentile $63,020
Median (50th) $87,899
75th Percentile $120,560
90th Percentile $157,550

Fundraiser Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$68,651
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$67,368
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$66,085
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$64,802
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Fundraiser in Arlington

Education

Most fundraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Arlington

Browse open fundraiser positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Arlington

How much does a Fundraiser make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Arlington, Virginia is $87,899 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $49,320 (10th percentile) to $157,550 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,899, a fundraiser in Arlington earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for fundraiser pay? ▼
Arlington's median fundraiser salary of $87,899 is 25.7% above the Virginia state average of $69,934. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a fundraiser salary of $87,899 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Arlington? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Arlington 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.