Congressional Staff

Congressional Staff Synopsis

The United States Congress conducts several types of activities for which it employs staff. These activities include assisting Members in official responsibilities in personal, committee, leadership, or administrative office settings. Congressional career tracks generally mirror common stages of other professional careers, but with adaptations to the congressional workplace.

These adaptations include relatively short career ladders on which staff may acquire substantial responsibilities in a relatively short period of time, and close support of a Member's legislative and representational responsibilities. This book focuses on positions in House and Senate personal offices, and provides sample position descriptions for 14 positions with similar job titles in each chamber. This book also provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances.