Business & Finance Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Fundraiser Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median fundraiser salary in Seattle, WA is $94,957 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$94,957
vs State Avg
+$21,173
vs National
+$30,797
Cost of Living
148%

Fundraiser Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median fundraiser salary of $94,957, which is $21,173 above the Washington state average of $73,784. Compared to the national median of $64,160, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,957 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $64,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for fundraisers in Seattle spans from $53,280 at the 10th percentile to $170,200 at the 90th percentile — a $116,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,240, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,840. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Fundraiser Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $56,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,240
+$18,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,680
+$31,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,840
+$51,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $53,280
25th Percentile $68,080
Median (50th) $94,957
75th Percentile $130,240
90th Percentile $170,200

Fundraiser Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$97,523
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$70,576
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$65,443
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$59,027
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Fundraiser in Seattle

Education

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

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Seattle

Browse open fundraiser positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Seattle

How much does a Fundraiser make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Seattle, Washington is $94,957 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $53,280 (10th percentile) to $170,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,957, a fundraiser in Seattle earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for fundraiser pay? ▼
Seattle's median fundraiser salary of $94,957 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $73,784. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a fundraiser salary of $94,957 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Seattle? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Seattle 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.