Political Consultants
Overview
Introduction
Political consultants help politicians promote themselves and their issues among voters. They advise politicians on how to address the media. Sometimes called spin doctors, these professionals use the media to either change or strengthen public opinion. Political consultants work with political consulting firms, contracting their services to politicians. The majority of political consultants work in Washington, D.C.; others work all across the country, involved with local and state government officials and candidates.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The incomes of political consultants vary greatly. Someone contracting with local candidates, or with state organizations and associations, may earn less than $40,000. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average salary for political consultants nationally was $68,152 in 2025. Salaries ranged from $18,000 or less to $161,000 or more. Political consultants employed in Washington, D.C., in 2025 ear...
Work Environment
Representing politicians can be thankless work. Political consultants may have to speak to the press about sensitive, volatile issues and deal directly with the frustrations of journalists unable to get the answers they want. When working for prominent politicians, they may become the subject of personal attacks.
Despite these potential conflicts, the work can be exciting and fast-paced....
Outlook
Employment for public relations specialists, which includes political consultants, is expected to grow by 6 percent, faster than the average for all careers, through 2033. As a result, consultants and media representatives will become even more important to candidates and elected officials in helping them manage their campaigns and communicate effectively with people. Television ads, social med...