Lobbyist Salary in 2026
Advocate for specific legislation or causes on behalf of organizations before government officials.
Median Salary
$98,000
$8,167/mo
Entry Level
$58,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$155,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Lobbyist Overview
Advocate for specific legislation or causes on behalf of organizations before government officials.
Education
Bachelor's/J.D.
Experience
5-10 years
Industry
Law
Total Jobs (US)
12K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Law
Hourly Rate
$47.12/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,167
Lobbyist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Lobbyist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Lobbyist Salary
$122,000
$10,167/month · $4,692/biweekly · $58.65/hr
Lobbyist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Lobbyist field.
Entry-level Lobbyists earn around $58,000, while the top 10% earn $197,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Lobbyists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $116,000 | +$18,000 |
| New York | $113,000 | +$15,000 |
| Virginia | $104,000 | +$6,000 |
| Illinois | $102,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $96,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Lobbyists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $116,000 | +$18,000 |
| Washington DC | $113,000 | +$15,000 |
| Sacramento | $103,000 | +$5,000 |
| Austin | $101,000 | +$3,000 |
| Springfield | $98,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Lobbyist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Lobbyist from entry level to expert.
$58,000
0-2 years
$107,000
3-7 years
$155,000
8-14 years
$240,000
15+ years
Lobbyist Salary FAQ
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