What Is the Job of the Governor of a State?

When disaster strikes or there is a budget shortfall that threatens state operations, the governor of the state is called into action. A governor of a state is the point person for all state matters. Elected by the people, the main role of the governor is to protect and serve. Leadership, political savvy, and relationship building are the main qualities a governor needs.

A governor serves as the chief executive officer of a state. Everyday job duties include oversight of the state executive leaders, policy review, as well as big picture budget management. Executive orders are enacted by a governor when a natural disaster strikes or an issue impacting the safety and security of the state occurs. A governor has the main responsibility of communicating with the President when Federal assistance is needed for a state emergency. Serving as the main spokesperson for the state, the governor provides information to citizens and direction, in the event of a crisis. A main job duty of a governor is to work with the legislature to ensure that the needs of the state are met through oversight hearings, new laws and the establishment of long-term goals and priorities. When the legislature and the governor are at odds, working collaboratively can be difficult, if not impossible.

There isn’t one academic major required to become a governor and some governors have never gone to college. In 2016, the top four degrees held by sitting governors included political science, business, economics and English. Almost half of the governors had law degrees. Other requirements like U.S. citizenship, state residency, and minimum age vary by state. Going to college and getting involved in politics, at an early age, is a good first step. Maintaining a clean slate and getting involved at lower political levels will help pave the way to a political future. Most governors begin early on in the political system and have a proven track record of advocating for citizens and asserting change.

In 2016, the Council of State Governments published a salary report that indicated a wide range of compensation for governors, by state. On the low end, the governor of Maine earned $70,000. The next lowest salary was $90,000 earned by the governor of Colorado. The highest salary was $190,823, earned by the governor of Pennsylvania, followed by $187,500, awarded to the governor of Tennessee.

Experience as a politician is usually required to become a governor. While it is possible to run for governor, without previous political experience, demonstrating the ability to manage and lead is the norm, to be considered by the voters.

There will always be a need for governors. Job openings vary, based upon the term limits established by individual states. New Hampshire and Vermont restrict governors to two-year term limits. Governors in all other states are confined to a four-year term limit. Rules about successive terms vary by state.