How much does a religious educator make?
a year · about $25 an hour
A typical religious educator in the United States makes $52,100 a year, about $25 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They pick lessons, organize classes, and meet clergy and volunteers to plan programs. They may train helpers, talk with families, and set up retreats or camps.
Did you know? Some religious educators may help people with family, health, or money problems—not just plan lessons and classes.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,670 and $98,310How do you become one?
A bachelor's degree is common; study theology, religious education, or ministry, and gain related teaching or congregation experience. Check the faith group's rules, since some require extra theology courses, certification, or background checks.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can differ with experience, education or faith-group credentials, and location or employer—for example, a congregation, school, or college. Some jobs are part-time and include evening or weekend events, so hours and duties differ too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($61,570), lowest in Montana ($45,220).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,670 | $52,100 | $98,310 | about 22,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $61,570 | about 3,000 |
| Indiana | $58,490 | about 670 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,510 | about 1,000 |
| Minnesota | $50,110 | about 760 |
| New York | $49,990 | about 4,000 |
Official definition: Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
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.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-2021.00
- www.careeronestop.org/Videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=21202100
- www.bls.gov/oes/2016/may/oes212021.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.covdio.org/catechist-formation-and-certification/director-coordinator-of-rel
- www.scd.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/Job%20Description_%20DRE.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY