Who earns what among fundraising professionals
Salaries for US charitable fundraisers decreased less than 1% year-over-year, with association fundraisers earning more than $90,000, according to the latest Association of Fundraising Professionals Compensation and Benefits Study.
The survey found the average salary for US respondents was $76,193 in 2010, compared with $76,482 in 2009. The slight decrease in 2010 occurred after increases in 2009, when the average US salary increased by 7.4%.
Fundraisers working for consulting firms enjoyed the highest average salary, $90,923, followed by those employed by trade and professional associations ($90,289) and scientific or research organizations ($88,917).
There continues to be a significant gap between the salaries of male and female fundraisers. Male fundraisers in the US reported an average salary of $92,540 in 2010. Women earned $70,614 on average. With the exception of 2005 when the salary difference diminished slightly, the gap in the US consistently has been about $20,000 in the 10 years AFP has conducted the survey.
Credentialed professionals also fare better than their noncredentialed counterparts. In the US, those who are certified fundraising executives reported average salaries of more than $25,000 higher than those with no certification. Those advanced certified fundraising executives or Association for Healthcare Philanthropy fellows reported average salaries more than $50,000 higher than noncredentialed individuals.
Location also influences salary. Average salaries for all respondents ranged from $70,712 in the South Central US to $81,737 in the Northwest.
AFP CEO Andrew Watt, FInstF, said, "The 2009 results were surprising given the general economy at the time, but perhaps reflect the trend that economic changes tend to affect philanthropy and charities later than other sectors. The 2010 findings tend to mirror what other professions are experiencing." Details: www.afpnet.org.
Executives: Salaries won't fluctuate
According to the TRENDS spring 2011 PULSE Survey, executives overwhelmingly believe (67.9%) salaries will remain the same in the next six months, with 28.7% believing salaries will rise. Fewer than 4% believe salaries will decrease. Even more so, trade association executives believe salaries will stay the same (71.9%) compared to just 59.1% of their professional society counterparts. The TRENDS PULSE Survey was conducted by Association Research Inc., Rockville MD. To obtain the full report, go to store section of www.AssociationTRENDS.com.
