The job market for legislators in the United States

There are currently an estimated 44,400 legislators in the United States. The legislator job market is expected to grow by 3.6% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are legislators?

CareerExplorer rates legislators with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 5,800 legislators. That number is based on 1,600 additional legislators, and the retirement of 4,200 existing legislators.

Are legislators in demand?

In the United States, the number of local, state, and federal legislators seldom changes. It is for this reason that the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not project any increase in demand and in the number of jobs nationally through at least 2020. However, because the role of legislator is an elected position, opportunities regularly arise based on term limits, election cycles, and demographic shifts. Competition and turnover rates in the field vary among levels of government and jurisdictions. State and federal positions and those in larger communities and municipalities with higher pay scales are typically extremely competitive. In positions without term limits, unseating an incumbent can be difficult, especially considering the high cost of campaigning. Simply put, there will be more opportunities for potential legislators in lower paying jobs in small governments. Some smaller jurisdictions which elect part-time legislators present opportunities to candidates who wish to work in other jobs while still holding government positions. These roles generally come without staff to handle administrative tasks. Legislators can usually advance to other offices in the jurisdictions where they live. In the U.S., for example, council members may run for mayor or for a position in state government. State legislators may run for governor or for congress. A lifetime career as a legislator is rare.

What’s the supply of legislators?

The legislator industry is concentrated in New York, Illinois, Ohio

Legislator job market by state