Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of volunteers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of volunteers:
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School Coordinator is the highest-paid type of volunteer with an average salary of $48,327 and an average hourly rate of $23.23.
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The second highest-paying type of volunteer is volunteer coach, with an average salary of $45,232.
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The average volunteer salary is $31,227 per year, and the average hourly pay is $15.01.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a volunteer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of volunteers are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of volunteers:
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School Coordinator
Average Salary: $48,327
A school coordinator is primarily in charge of managing programs and curriculums, ensuring the welfare of students and workers. Their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the training procedures of teachers and other employees, establishing academic guidelines, liaising with external parties, and coordinating with administrators. They may also devise strategies to produce effective teaching materials and facilities, create progress reports, and identify areas needing improvement. Furthermore, as a school coordinator, it is essential to monitor the progress of students and faculty staff, all while implementing the school’s policies and regulations, developing new ones as needed.
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Volunteer Coach
Average Salary: $45,232
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Youth Development Professional
Average Salary: $43,758
Youth Development Professionals are specialists in implementing and overseeing programs to help adolescents discover their abilities and interests. They are responsible for coordinating career days and field trips, organizing mentorship sessions, create youth outreach projects, and assisting community organizations in youth provision development. Other duties include supporting the training of volunteer youth workers as well as ensuring service provided adheres to professional standards and current regulations. A Youth Development Professional may specialize in a specific development sector, such as healthy living, experiential learning, or public service.
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Volunteer Patient Representative
Average Salary: $42,036
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Coordinator
Average Salary: $41,599
Coordinators are responsible for liaising between the department they are assigned to and any other external party. They oversee projects or agreements. They are in charge of following through negotiations between the two parties regarding work. They see through the conduct of such contracts by ensuring that all terms are amenable to both parties. They maintain records and other necessary data and paperwork. They also ensure that office policy and guidelines are being followed. Coordinators also ensure that all projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various volunteer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Volunteers
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for volunteers.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Volunteer Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid volunteer job?
The highest-paid volunteer job is a school coordinator. School Coordinators earn an average salary of $48,327, which is $ 23.23 hourly.
A school coordinator is primarily in charge of managing programs and curriculums, ensuring the welfare of students and workers. Their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the training procedures of teachers and other employees, establishing academic guidelines, liaising with external parties, and coordinating with administrators. They may also devise strategies to produce effective teaching materials and facilities, create progress reports, and identify areas needing improvement. Furthermore, as a school coordinator, it is essential to monitor the progress of students and faculty staff, all while implementing the school’s policies and regulations, developing new ones as needed.
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What is a good salary for a volunteer?
A good salary for a volunteer is $31,227 or more. The average volunteer salary is $31,227, so those making at least $31,227 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average volunteer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a volunteer, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $31,227 average, as this includes all volunteers of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Volunteer jobs pay well?
No, volunteer jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some volunteer jobs pay better than others, but the average volunteer salary of $31,227 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many volunteer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of volunteers earning $0 a year on average.
Volunteers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a volunteer. Do your research on the going rate for a volunteer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do volunteers get paid the most?
Volunteers get paid the most in Nevada. In Nevada, volunteers earn an average annual salary of $32,356 and an average hourly wage of $15.56.
Following NV, the states with the highest-paid volunteers are Utah, Wyoming, and New York, with average annual salaries of $33,337, $35,308, and $35,398 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid volunteer salaries are:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
