Legislators in Washington
Considering working as a Legislators in Washington? Here’s what you need to know. Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
What do Legislators Make in Washington?
For legislators working in Washington, the median annual wage is $109,390 per year.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,120 | n/a |
| 25th percentile | $60,180 | n/a |
| Median (50th) | $109,390 | $0.00 |
| 75th percentile | $208,000 | n/a |
| 90th percentile | n/a | n/a |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Washington nationwide is 2.13, suggesting that legislators are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, legislators earn a median of $167,600 per year ($80.58/hour), lower than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 103,736 legislators across the United States. In Washington alone, approximately 1,300 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 460 legislators.
Top Washington Metros for Legislators
The metro areas below employ the most legislators in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 340 | $125,960 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 160 | $60,180 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 90 | $157,080 |
| Bellingham, WA | 50 | $115,380 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 50 | $138,380 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 40 | $116,210 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 40 | n/a |
| Yakima, WA | 40 | $120,480 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 30 | $81,450 |
Top States for Legislators Employment
The table below shows the states where the most legislators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,470 |
| Texas | 2,040 |
| New York | 1,440 |
| Ohio | 1,360 |
| Washington | 1,300 |
| Missouri | 1,210 |
| Alabama | 1,120 |
| Wisconsin | 960 |
| Georgia | 960 |
| Indiana | 950 |
| Florida | 810 |
| Pennsylvania | 770 |
| West Virginia | 750 |
| South Carolina | 660 |
| Colorado | 530 |
| Idaho | 530 |
| Maryland | 500 |
| Arkansas | 460 |
| Arizona | 450 |
| Montana | 440 |
Highest-Paying States for Legislators
These states pay the most for legislators.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $109,390 |
| New York | $97,050 |
| Hawaii | $74,150 |
| Michigan | $73,110 |
| Colorado | $66,700 |
| Wisconsin | $58,850 |
| Delaware | $58,250 |
| Maryland | $54,430 |
| California | $54,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,490 |
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Analyze and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
- Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
- Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
- Debate the merits of proposals and bill amendments during floor sessions, following the appropriate rules of procedure.
- Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
- Hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in bills or issues under consideration.
- Keep abreast of the issues affecting constituents by making personal visits and phone calls, reading local newspapers, and viewing or listening to local broadcasts.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant national and international current events.
- Make decisions that balance the perspectives of private citizens, public officials, and party leaders.
- Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
- Prepare drafts of amendments, government policies, laws, rules, regulations, budgets, programs and procedures.
- Read and review concerns of constituents or the general public and determine if governmental action is necessary.
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Cisco Webex
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
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Related Careers
Related occupations to legislators include:
- Treasurers and Controllers
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Labor Relations Specialists
Also Known As
Alderman, Assembly Member, Assembly Person, Assemblyman, Assemblywoman, City Alderman, City Council Member, City Councilman, Congress Member, Congressional Representative, Congressman, Congresswoman, Council Member, Councilman, Councilor.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 11-1031.00
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