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 ...