What's Happening?
The value of a volunteer hour in the United States increased by 3.9% in 2025, reaching $36.14, according to data from Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute. This increase surpasses the annual inflation
rate of 2.7% for the same year. The highest value was recorded in Washington, D.C., at $54.77 per hour, while the lowest was in Puerto Rico at $17.99. The data underscores the significant contributions volunteers make to the nation's 1.9 million nonprofits, with 75% of nonprofit leaders acknowledging the importance of volunteers to their operations. The value is calculated using the annual average hourly earnings for all production and non-supervisory workers, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why It's Important?
The increase in the value of volunteer time reflects the critical role volunteers play in supporting nonprofit organizations across the U.S. This valuation not only highlights the economic impact of volunteerism but also emphasizes the social contributions volunteers make to their communities. Nonprofits, many of which are heavily reliant on volunteer support, benefit from this increased valuation as it can enhance their ability to attract and retain volunteers. The data also provides a benchmark for understanding the economic value of volunteer work, which is essential for policy-making and funding decisions in the nonprofit sector.
What's Next?
As the value of volunteer time continues to rise, nonprofits may leverage this data to advocate for more resources and support from government and private sectors. The ongoing collection and analysis of volunteer data will be crucial in understanding trends and making informed decisions to enhance volunteer engagement. Additionally, nonprofits might explore new strategies to maximize the impact of volunteer contributions, ensuring that their operations remain sustainable and effective in serving their communities.
