How To Become A Political Consultant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a political consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Donald Zinman Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a political consultant. For example, did you know that they make an average of $26.76 an hour? That's $55,657 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a political consultant?

Donald Zinman Ph.D.

Professor at department of Political Science, Grand Valley State University

Be open and willing to do a nationwide job search. Step out of your comfort zone. Don't pursue graduate programs if you have to take out student loans.

ScorePolitical ConsultantUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $55,657

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.09%

Asian 6.91%

Black or African American 7.10%

Hispanic or Latino 14.31%

Unknown 6.45%

White 64.14%

Gender

female 30.30%

male 69.70%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a political consultant

Explore political consultant education requirements

Most common political consultant degrees

Bachelor's

77.8 %

Master's

7.0 %

Associate

6.3 %

Start to develop specific political consultant skills

Skills	Percentages
Political Campaigns	26.60%
Campaign Strategies	12.48%
Press Releases	12.22%
Campaign Events	5.66%
Event Planning	3.98%

Research political consultant duties and responsibilities

Develop and manage the campaigns website, Facebook, and other social media networking activities.
Assist in successful GOTV efforts during the primary.
Have designed campaign materials and advertising, direct volunteer efforts and GOTV programs.
Collaborate with individuals from the U.S. Embassy, foreign militaries, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Prepare your political consultant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your political consultant resume.

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