Life As a Legislator
Occupation Description Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
A Day in the Life of a Legislator
- Establish personal offices in local districts or states, and manage office staff.
- Oversee expense allowances, ensuring that accounts are balanced at the end of each fiscal year.
- Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
- Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
- Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
- Encourage and support party candidates for political office.
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Other Legislator Job Titles
- Councilperson
- Tribal Council Member
- Legislator
- Congressional Representative
- Assembly Person
Job Opportunities for Legislators
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 55,500 jobs in the United States for Legislator. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,400 job openings in this field each 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Legislator
The salary for Legislators ranges between about $17,510 and $98,890 a year.
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 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 do Legislators Work?
Legislators work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: The Official CTBTO Photostream via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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