A Legislator is an elected or appointed official involved in the development and enactment of laws and statutes at the local, state, or national level. They play a key role in shaping public policy and representing the interests of their constituents.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 3.4% (average)
Annual job openings: 2,200
Direct AI exposure: 27% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 77% of tasks
| According to ZipRecruiter, average income (in USD) is $42K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| NA per year | $32K per year | $42K per year | $64K per year | $100K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $8.78K below the national average. | ||||
Legislators typically work in government buildings, such as city halls, state capitols, or parliamentary houses. Their role involves a mix of office work, attending legislative sessions, committee meetings, and public events. They may also travel extensively to meet constituents or for political events.
Legislators are at the forefront of political and social change, crafting laws and policies that shape the future of communities, regions, and countries. They must thoroughly understand the legislative process, including how bills are proposed, debated, and passed. Effective legislators are skilled in negotiation, as they often work with colleagues of diverse political views to reach consensus.
Communication is a vital part of a legislator's role. They must be adept at conveying complex policy issues in an accessible manner, both to colleagues and to the public. Engaging with constituents is also a critical aspect, as it helps legislators understand the needs and opinions of the people they represent. This interaction guides their policy positions and legislative priorities.
The role demands a strong ethical compass and the ability to balance various interests, including those of constituents, party lines, and personal beliefs. Legislators must stay informed about current events, emerging issues, and shifts in public opinion. They also play a key role in oversight, ensuring that laws are implemented effectively and governmental bodies function as intended.
While there is no specific educational requirement to become a legislator, many have at least a bachelor's degree, often in political science, law, public administration, or related fields.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.