Legislator

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Work Tasks

• Direct government activities and make laws
• Set goals and make programs and policies to reach the goals
• Talk with other legislators about important issues; debate issues during legislative meetings
• Keep up with current national and international events
• Work for local, state, and federal governments
• Work with new and existing laws, reports, budgets, programs, policies, work schedules, performance reports, bids, and contracts

Salary, Size & Growth

• $106,000 average per year ($51.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (65,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Must be a citizen of the US, 21 or older, and a resident in the location they represent
• Employers Prefer: The voters are the employer. Voters usually prefer a candidate who speaks well, is well-known, and has a record of accomplishments in paid or volunteer work.
• Skills/Courses: Serving on charity organizations, political action groups, and political campaigns or others may be helpful.