How much does a clergy member make?
Answer: A typical clergy member in the United States makes $60,810 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 57,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Clergy member pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,860 | $60,810 | $98,890 | about 57,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $80,830 | about 1,000 |
| California | $77,710 | about 7,000 |
| Massachusetts | $72,190 | about 840 |
| New Jersey | $65,500 | about 1,000 |
| Connecticut | $63,470 | about 900 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, extra study or approval from a faith group, and the employer can affect pay; clergy work in congregations, hospitals, and government settings. Location and responsibilities matter too, and some clergy work long weeks or respond to urgent needs.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a clergy member do?
Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.
What's a typical day like?
They may lead a service, teach a class, or prepare a sermon, then listen to people seeking comfort or advice. Their day may also include visiting someone in a hospital, home, or prison, planning ceremonies, and handling community tasks.
How to get this job
In the U.S., many clergy attend college and seminary, but each faith group sets its own path. Candidates may also need supervised ministry, exams, and approval or ordination from that group.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling.
Did you know?
The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps was officially recognized in 1775, nearly a year before the Declaration of Independence.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Community and Social Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes212011.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/21-2011.00
- utsnyc.edu/academics/career-paths/ordination-process
- www.army.mil/article-amp/173555/you_dont_know_what_you_dont_know_about_the_u_s_a
- www.elearners.com/education-resources/careers/career-spotlight-theology
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY