Congressional Aide Job Description, Career as a Congressional Aide, Salary, Employment

Training/Educational Requirements: Bachelor degree preferred

Median Salary: $60,000 annually

Job Prospects: Good

Job Description

A congressional aide supports a congressperson in whatever duties are deemed necessary. They perform all duties ranging from research on specific legislative bills to simple administrative tasks such as handling emails for their assigned congressperson. The duties vary based on the capacity in which they work and if they are supporting a local congressperson or one serving at the nation’s capital.

A congressional aide is usually the “right hand” of their assigned congressperson. They work in their office and handle tasks as simple as filing and answering phones, to acting as a liaison between the congressperson and other government bodies. This is typically a clerical or administrative role, so the level of responsibilities and actual duties performed varies dramatically.

If a congressional aide works in an office in Washington DC, they attend meetings with their assigned congressperson. Most congressional aides, however, maintain some level of administrative responsibilities. Since the congressperson is busy, they must handle inquiries by phone or email. They are responsible for managing the calendar for their congressperson, ensuring they get to all scheduled meetings and events.

Congressional aides work in a support role, so the nature of the work their congressperson performs dictates their responsibilities. Their duties change from day to day while they work to support their congressperson. They start off with fundamental duties, but also work their way up to being involved in research and meetings with their congressperson. They must act on behalf of the office of the congressperson and communicate with the public, other government officials and bodies, and any third parties. They handle all clerical and administrative responsibilities that are deemed appropriate by their congressperson.

Training/Educational Requirements

Although it is not a requirement, most congressional aides have a bachelor’s degree. This is often preferred by the given congressperson, even though it is not usually listed as a requirement for the job. Since this is a clerical job in most instances, congressional aides must have an associate’s degree or a minimum of a high school diploma if their experience makes up for it.

There isn’t a set training requirement for this role, since on-the-job training is the best preparation. Any experience working in a similar role or working for a public official is helpful. Ongoing training comes in the way of working in this role. There are workshops available to strengthen skills or work within software programs, however, this is not a requirement of the job.

How to Get Hired

The best way to get hired as a congressional aide is to have experience with another government official. Any experience working to support a congressperson or other legislative representative is an excellent way to get hired. On a national level, congressional aides are often hired on an ongoing basis as long as the congressperson serves their term. They move from one congressperson to the next as their experience becomes quite valuable.

Direct experience is an excellent way to get hired as a congressional aide, but is not a necessity. In some instances, just having strong administrative experience working in a fast-paced and stressful environment is an excellent way to get hired. Demonstrating clerical skills and aptitude for this job is also a good way to get hired.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

As long as there are congress members, there is a need for a congressional aides. Although this job changes hands as elections bring about different representatives, there is great likelihood for a good experienced congressional aide to find work. The more experience they have in this role, the better their chances are to finding job opportunities. Starting in an entry-level position is possible, however, the competition is high at this level.

Congressional aides who do well at a local level can move into a role with more responsibility, particularly supporting a congressperson in the nation’s capital. Since a congressperson usually holds a state and federal office, this provides good job opportunities for those working at either level. There is always available work, especially since the need for this position grows stronger around times of elections.

Working Environment

The work environment for a congressional aide is rather chaotic. They deal with a great deal of stress due to a fast-paced environment and detail-oriented responsibilities. They must be able to multitask and change direction quickly. This is usually a very rewarding role which prepares congressional aides for more responsibilities or career advancement.

The work environment varies from day to day. One day a congressional aide may work directly in the office, and the next they may be traveling to meetings or events with the congressperson. This job demands long hours and an unusual schedule at times, but usually involves great potential for breaks and vacations which mirrors that of the congressperson.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for a congressional aide is around $60,000 per year. The salary varies based on the level of involvement, the employer or member of congress, experience, and geographical location. They typically receive good benefits such as paid medical coverage, paid vacation, holidays, and sick days. They have flexible schedules, particularly at certain times of the year. They usually receive some sort of retirement savings account such as a 401(k).