Budget season is around the corner for most churches, so it’s a natural time to evaluate compensation packages. Are staff members paid fairly? How does your church compare to others when it comes to qualifications, such as educational background and experience, or church factors, including size, geography, and denomination?
The 2009 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff , which surveyed 4,800 U.S. churches – representing about 11,000 employees – between January and March, provides answers to those questions and more. Among the annual report’s findings:
People, Pews, and Paychecks
Churches that draw 101 to 300 people for worship services each week typically pay their senior pastors $72,664 each year, including benefits, but that figure substantially grows to $88,502 – or 22 percent more – when attendance averages between 301 and 500 people, and $102,623 – or 41 percent more – when attendance averages between 501 and 750 people.
Executive and administrative pastors on average earn about $60,777 at churches of 101 to 300 people and about $76,671 at churches of 501 to 750 people, representing a gain of 26 percent.
Music, choir, and worship pastors average about $51,954 at churches of 101 to 300 people, while their peers at churches of 501 to 750 people average $64,781, a 25-percent rise.
Bookkeepers and accountants average $34,518 at churches of 101 to 300 people, compared to $36,347 at churches of 501 to 750, representing an increase of 5 percent.
Higher Ed, Higher Pay
For senior pastors, the gap in earning potential between those with doctorate degrees and those without remains distinct. Including benefits, those who complete post-graduate work earn $14,000 more per year than those who complete a master’s degree, and $24,000 more per year than pastors with a bachelor’s.
Location, Location, Location
Senior pastors and full-time secretaries and administrative assistants in the New England states average higher compensation compared to their peers in other regions. Executive or administrative pastors, as well as bookkeepers and accountants, do best in the Pacific region, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington. Administrators fare best in the “East South Central” states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Denominational Differences
Including benefits, senior pastors in the Presbyterian ($100,751) and Lutheran ($100,593) denominations earn the most on average compared to others denominations and independent and nondenominational churches. Administrators ($62,754) and secretaries and administrative assistants ($36,983) in Lutheran churches also fare best, earning more on average than any of their peers in other denominations.
Executive and administrative pastors make more on average with independent and nondenominational churches ($80,469) than any other denomination.
– The 2009 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff, a complete analysis of 13 church positions, including breakdowns based on church denomination, income budget, size, and geographical location, can be ordered online at http://store.churchlawtodaystore.com/20cohaforchs.html or via phone at 1-800-222-1840.
