How much does a clergy member make?
a year · about $29 an hour
A typical clergy member in the United States makes $60,810 a year, about $29 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps was officially recognized in 1775, nearly a year before the Declaration of Independence.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,860 and $98,890How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($80,830), lowest in Alabama ($50,180).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a religious worker averages $36,406. Clergy member salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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