As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Lead Pastor in the United States is $101,890. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $88,290 to $118,990, with most professionals earning between $75,908 and $134,559.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $118,990 | $9,916 | $2,288 | $57 |
| Average | $101,890 | $8,491 | $1,959 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,290 | $7,358 | $1,698 | $42 |
An entry-level Lead Pastor with less than 1 year of experience earns about $96,815. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $97,424. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $99,454. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $101,890, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $106,229.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Pastor | $96,815 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Pastor | $97,424 |
| Senior Level Lead Pastor | $99,454 |
| Specialist Level Lead Pastor | $101,890 |
| Expert Level Lead Pastor | $106,229 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 0% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Lead Pastor compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $97,357 in 2023 to approximately $98,842 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Lead Pastor salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Lead Pastor information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Lead Pastor job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Lead Pastor and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $101,890 | 73.0% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $7,795 | 5.6% | ||
| 401K/403B | $4,789 | 3.4% | ||
| Disability | $815 | 0.6% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 4.3% | ||
| Pension | $5,604 | 4.0% | ||
| Time Off | $12,540 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $139,489 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 7.9% |
| Associates | 4.4% |
| Bachelors | 27.2% |
| Masters | 43.6% |
| Doctorate | 15.4% |
What Am I Worth?
The salary for a Lead Pastor typically ranges from a minimum of $89,690 to a maximum of $123,690, with a median salary around $109,190. Factors such as experience, location, and church size can influence these figures, so it's essential to consider these elements when determining appropriate compensation.
Pastors lead worship services, deliver sermons, and oversee church ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Their role extends beyond these activities, as they provide counsel, support, and guidance to their congregation. The salary for a Lead Pastor typically ranges from $89,690 to $123,690, with a median salary of $109,190.
The role of a lead pastor is often synonymous with that of an elder, overseer, and shepherd in biblical terms. They are responsible for guiding the congregation and providing spiritual leadership. In terms of compensation, lead pastors typically earn between $89,690 and $123,690, with a median salary of $109,190, reflecting their significant responsibilities.
Yes, pastors are required to pay taxes on their earnings. This includes all income from wages, offerings, and fees for services such as weddings and funerals. For example, a Lead Pastor's salary can range from approximately $89,690 to $123,690, all of which is subject to income tax.
Pastors can make extra money through various avenues such as offering counseling services, conducting workshops, or writing books. Additionally, they might consider speaking engagements or teaching classes. With a Lead Pastor salary ranging from $89,690 to $123,690, these side activities can supplement their income and provide financial stability.
With distinct roles and areas of expertise, pastors work together to advance the church and fulfill its mission. For instance, while the *Senior Pastor* might concentrate on teaching, the *Lead Pastor* coordinates the work of other ministries, creating a supportive dynamic. The salary for a Lead Pastor typically ranges from $89,690 to $123,690, with a mid-point of $109,190.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
