Pastor Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Pastor make?

The average salary for a Pastor is $51,084 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Pastor positions, showing an average salary of $51,084 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Pastor positions, showing an average salary of $51,084 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Pastor positions, showing an average salary of $51,084 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Pastor positions, showing an average salary of $51,084 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Pastors play a significant role in the community, guiding and supporting their congregations. The salary for this important work varies based on experience, church size, and location. On average, a pastor can expect to earn around $51,000 per year. This range includes both smaller congregations and larger, more established churches.

A pastor's earnings can increase with experience and the size of the church. Smaller churches might offer lower salaries, often in the range of $23,100 to $47,400 annually. As a pastor gains more experience or moves to a larger church, salaries can go up to $65,600 and even higher, sometimes reaching $90,000 or more per year. These figures provide a clear picture of what one might earn in this rewarding career path.

What are the highest paying cities for a Pastor?

Pastors in Montgomery, AL, enjoy the highest average salary among these cities, with a pay of $54,802 annually. Buffalo, NY, follows closely with an average of $50,994 per year. Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI, offer competitive salaries of $47,832 and $38,659, respectively. These figures highlight attractive opportunities for those considering pastoral roles in these locations.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Pastor jobs, highlighting Montgomery, AL with the highest at $54,802 and Milwaukee, WI with the lowest at $38,659.

Montgomery, AL
Average Salary: $54,802
Montgomery offers a unique blend of southern charm and community engagement. Many congregations seek leaders who can connect with the local culture while providing spiritual guidance. Opportunities exist in well-established churches and community organizations.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $50,994
Buffalo presents a vibrant mix of cultural diversity and strong community ties. Churches here often value leaders who can engage with various backgrounds. Roles often include outreach programs and community service initiatives, enhancing the ministry's reach and impact.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $47,832
In Chicago, opportunities abound in dynamic urban settings. Many congregations emphasize social justice and community involvement. This city offers a chance to lead congregations that are deeply involved in local initiatives and support networks.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $38,659
Milwaukee's churches value leaders who can foster a sense of community and belonging. Many positions involve working with families and youth programs. Opportunities often include partnerships with local schools and organizations, providing a rich environment for ministry.
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What are the best companies a Pastor can work for?

Christian and Missionary Alliance offers one of the highest average salaries for Pastor roles, providing attractive compensation for those in ministry. Compass Health Network also stands out with a competitive average salary, appealing to professionals seeking a good balance of service and remuneration. Hospital Sisters Health System, JustChurchJobs, and New York State Office of Children and Family Services provide significant opportunities, though their average salaries are slightly lower compared to the others.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Pastor jobs, highlighting Christian and Missionary Alliance with the highest at $88,730 and New York State Office of Children and Family Services with the lowest at $43,181.

Christian and Missionary Alliance
Average Salary: $88,730
Christian and Missionary Alliance offers rewarding Pastor positions with a focus on spiritual leadership. This company operates in various locations, including the United States and international regions, providing opportunities for those who want to serve diverse communities.
Compass Health Network
Average Salary: $69,469
Compass Health Network provides a unique chance for Pastors to combine their spiritual duties with community health services. This organization is active in Missouri, offering a stable and supportive environment for religious professionals.
Hospital Sisters Health System
Average Salary: $59,857
Hospital Sisters Health System values compassionate leaders. Pastors here support patients and staff spiritually. This company operates in several states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, providing diverse experiences for religious leaders.
JustChurchJobs
Average Salary: $59,282
JustChurchJobs connects Pastors with a variety of church positions. This platform assists in finding roles in many locations, offering flexibility and diverse opportunities for those who wish to lead congregations.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Average Salary: $43,181
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services offers Pastor positions with a focus on family support and community care. This government agency operates in New York, providing a chance to serve those in need while fulfilling spiritual duties.

How to earn more as a Pastor?

Pastors often work hard to bring their faith to others. Earning more as a Pastor involves looking at a few key factors. First, gaining experience and building a strong reputation can help. Having years of service and positive feedback can lead to more opportunities and higher salaries.

Another factor is the size of the congregation. Larger churches often offer higher salaries to attract and keep skilled pastors. Moving to a larger church or helping a small church grow can open up higher pay options. Special skills and education can also play a role. Having advanced degrees or certifications in theology or counseling can make a Pastor more valuable.

Pastors can also increase their earnings through additional roles. Teaching at a seminary, writing books or articles, or offering consulting services can provide extra income. Networking and building connections within the ministry community can lead to speaking engagements and other paid opportunities.

Factors to consider include:

Experience and reputation
Congregation size
Special skills and education
Additional roles and opportunities
Networking and connections

How much does a Pastor make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Pastor?

What are the best companies a Pastor can work for?

How to earn more as a Pastor?

Currently 116 Pastor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Pastor in the US?

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