Business & Finance Washington (WA) Rank #9 of 50

Fundraiser Salary in Washington

The median fundraiser salary in Washington is $73,784 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $64,160.

Median Salary
$73,784
vs National
+$9,624
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Fundraiser Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #9 out of 50 states for fundraiser compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for fundraisers seeking high pay. At $73,784 per year, fundraisers in Washington earn $9,624 more than the national median of $64,160.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $73,784 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $64,160.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: fundraisers at the 10th percentile earn $41,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $132,250 — a $90,850 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $97,523.

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for fundraisers across the country.

Fundraiser Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $43,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,700
+$5,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,900
+$9,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
+$16,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $52,900
Median (50th) $73,784
75th Percentile $101,200
90th Percentile $132,250

Fundraiser Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for fundraisers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Fundraiser in Washington

Education

Most fundraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Washington

How much does a Fundraiser make in Washington? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Washington is $73,784 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $132,250 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,784, a fundraiser in Washington earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for fundraisers? ▼
Washington ranks #9 out of 50 states for fundraiser pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level fundraisers earn $43,700, while senior professionals earn $124,200.
How does Washington compare to other states for fundraiser salary? ▼
The highest paying state for fundraisers is Hawaii at $109,072. Washington's median of $73,784 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($76,992) and Maryland ($73,784).
What is the entry-level fundraiser salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level fundraiser in Washington earns approximately $43,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,200.
What city in Washington pays fundraisers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for fundraisers, with a median salary of $97,523. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.