Lobbyist Salary

Working within the realm of public relations, the principal job of the lobbyist consists of conferring with elected officials and attempting to persuade them to either pass, reject, or amend legislation in which the lobbyist’s client has a vested interest. Because lobbyists require proximity to seats of government in order to effectively do their jobs, they are typically located in state and national capitols. Lobbyists often work on behalf of trade organizations and frequently coordinate their work with other lobbyists in order to achieve a desired outcome on a particular piece of legislation.

They also contact constituents of legislators, asking them to pressure their respective legislator on a specific issue that is important to their clients. A lobbyist employs numerous strategies when attempting to influence government officials. The most powerful, and often controversial, is direct interaction with legislators, in which a lobbyist might invite a government official to a dinner, event, or resort location in an effort to convince them to vote in accordance with the lobbyist’s wishes. To avoid the appearance of impropriety, however, lobbyists must typically publicly disclose these encounters and are often asked to register as lobbyists with the government. Lobbyists also work directly with the media, often providing research material that supports the position of the lobbyist's client with respect to a particular piece of legislation. As part of their media strategy, lobbyists will also hold press conferences and issue press releases that support the desired outcomes of their client. Lobbyists also testify at government hearings and before regulatory committees, providing their expertise on behalf of their clients.

Because the job of the lobbyist is so explicitly tied to the government, many lobbyists are former members of the government and rely on their previous personal connections to perform their jobs. Lobbyists generally have at least a bachelor's degree in political science or a related field. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Lobbyist Tasks

• Contacts and confers with members of legislature and other holders of public office to persuade them to support legislation favorable to client's interest.
• Studies proposed legislation to determine possible effect on interest of client, who may be person, specific group, or general public.

For those looking to make money, Lobbyists in Atlanta enjoy an exceptional pay rate, 25 percent above the national average. Lobbyists will also find cushy salaries in Sacramento (+14 percent) and Washington (+14 percent).