How much does a religious educator make?
Answer: A typical religious educator in the United States makes $52,100 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 22,000 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
Religious educator 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $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 |
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.
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 religious educator do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling.
Did you know?
Some religious educators may help people with family, health, or money problems—not just plan lessons and classes.
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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.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