SALARY GUIDE

Discover How Much Clergy Earn Worldwide

From entry‑level pastors to senior bishops, see salary ranges, growth trends, and what drives pay in ministry.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$40,000 – $50,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$60,000 – $80,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$90,000 – $120,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$130,000+
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$55,000
CanadaC$68,000
United Kingdom£45,000
AustraliaA$70,000
Germany€48,000
India₹850,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$40k$60kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Religious Organizations$55,000
Nonprofit Charities$48,000
Educational Institutions (seminaries, faith schools)$52,000
Healthcare Chaplaincy$58,000
Military Chaplaincy$62,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Parish Priest / Pastor
$55,000
Average annual salary
Chaplain (hospital, military, prison)
$60,000
Average annual salary
Bishop / Archbishop
$110,000
Average annual salary
Missionary
$45,000
Average annual salary
Youth Minister
$48,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Denominational affiliation
  • Geographic location and cost of living
  • Size of congregation or institution
  • Level of theological education
  • Years of experience
  • Additional responsibilities (counseling, administration)

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

Ordination
5% increase
Salary increase potential
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
10% increase
Salary increase potential
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
15% increase
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
India
Most Stable
Germany
Job Market Outlook

Steady demand for clergy worldwide, especially in growing multicultural communities and healthcare settings. While overall numbers remain stable, emerging markets and specialized chaplaincy roles are projected to see the strongest salary growth over the next two decades.

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