Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
Legislators
SOC: 11-1031 O*NET: 11-1031.00
Median Salary
$44,810
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
What does a Legislators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$20,380
10th percentile
Early Career
$29,120
25th percentile
Median
$44,810
50th percentile
Experienced
$80,350
75th percentile
Top Earners
$137,820
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$20,380
25th
$29,120
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$44,810
Mean: $67,390
75th
$80,350
90th
$137,820
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $117,440 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $29,120 and $80,350
- •Salary spread is 114.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 26,510 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:27,700
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.4%
Annual Openings:2,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)27,700
Current
2034 (Projected)28,600
+3.4%
+900
Employment Change
+3.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Legislators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 40 locations
California
2,470 jobs$54,2900.79x
Texas
2,040 jobs$42,0800.86x
New York
1,440 jobs$97,0500.88x
Ohio
1,360 jobs$46,8901.43x
Washington
1,300 jobs$109,3902.13x
Missouri
1,210 jobs$02.42x
Alabama
1,120 jobs$26,9903.10x
Georgia
960 jobs$01.15x
Wisconsin
960 jobs$58,8501.91x
Indiana
950 jobs$39,9401.74x
Florida
810 jobs$46,9100.48x
Pennsylvania
770 jobs$51,4900.74x
West Virginia
750 jobs$46,9906.21x
South Carolina
660 jobs$19,2701.69x
Colorado
530 jobs$66,7001.06x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Legislators
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechCisco Webex
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Visual Basic
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Cisco Webex
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (1)General Responsibilities (15)Planning & Development (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)
1
Analyze and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Debate the merits of proposals and bill amendments during floor sessions, following the appropriate rules of procedure.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in bills or issues under consideration.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Keep abreast of the issues affecting constituents by making personal visits and phone calls, reading local newspapers, and viewing or listening to local broadcasts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Maintain knowledge of relevant national and international current events.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Make decisions that balance the perspectives of private citizens, public officials, and party leaders.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Legislators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Legislators professionals typically have a ESC Holland code and highly value relationships
EEnterprising
SSocial
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Legislators
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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