What Does it Take to Be a Legislator?
Job Description: Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
What Do Legislators Do On a Daily Basis?
- Analyze and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
- Attend receptions, dinners, and conferences to meet people, exchange views and information, and develop working relationships.
- Review bills in committee, and make recommendations about their future.
- Seek federal funding for local projects and programs.
- Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
- Evaluate the structure, efficiency, activities, and performance of government agencies.
Featured schools near , edit
Other Legislator Job Titles
- Delegate
- Assembly Person
- Congressional Representative
- Representative
- Alderman
Are There Job Opportunities for Legislators?
There were about 55,500 jobs for Legislator in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,900 new jobs for Legislator by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,400 positions for Legislator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Legislator are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Wisconsin, or Oregon. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Legislator Salary
The typical yearly salary for Legislators is somewhere between $17,510 and $98,890.
Legislators who work in New York, Hawaii, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Legislators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,760 |
| Alaska | $45,340 |
| Arizona | $56,530 |
| Arkansas | $21,970 |
| California | $68,580 |
| Colorado | $57,570 |
| Connecticut | $59,740 |
| Florida | $56,990 |
| Georgia | $23,810 |
| Hawaii | $60,400 |
| Idaho | $25,310 |
| Indiana | $36,910 |
| Iowa | $43,450 |
| Kansas | $22,870 |
| Louisiana | $33,370 |
| Maryland | $45,110 |
| Michigan | $35,460 |
| Minnesota | $34,690 |
| Mississippi | $25,360 |
| Missouri | $25,630 |
| Montana | $45,510 |
| Nebraska | $34,320 |
| New Hampshire | $18,910 |
| New Mexico | $23,960 |
| New York | $90,050 |
| North Dakota | $36,050 |
| Ohio | $43,770 |
| Oklahoma | $48,770 |
| Oregon | $37,960 |
| South Carolina | $20,910 |
| Tennessee | $41,470 |
| Texas | $45,180 |
| Utah | $26,930 |
| Virginia | $32,900 |
| Washington | $66,240 |
| West Virginia | $28,520 |
| Wyoming | $38,180 |
What Tools & Technology do Legislators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Legislators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Exchange Server
- IBM Domino
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Mapping software
- Adobe Systems Adobe FrameMaker
- Apple iWork Keynote
- Cisco Systems WebEx
- Citrix GoToMeeting
Where Legislators Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: The Official CTBTO Photostream via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School
BusinessDegreeCentral.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© BusinessDegreeCentral.com – All Rights Reserved.