Clergy Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for clergy in the United States was $60,810 ($29.24 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| 25th | $48,260 | $23.20 |
| Median | $60,810 | $29.24 |
| 75th | $76,640 | $36.85 |
| 90th | $98,890 | $47.54 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 21-2011
- Total U.S. employment: 57,200
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The mean wage of $66,860 sits 9.9% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Across the United States, 57,200 clergy are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Clergy Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,180 | $24.13 | -17.5% | 850 |
| Alaska | $55,780 | $26.82 | -8.3% | 150 |
| Arizona | $61,900 | $29.76 | +1.8% | 1,070 |
| Arkansas | $49,070 | $23.59 | -19.3% | 350 |
| California | $77,710 | $37.36 | +27.8% | 7,110 |
| Colorado | $63,700 | $30.63 | +4.8% | 440 |
| Connecticut | $63,470 | $30.51 | +4.4% | 900 |
| Delaware | $63,260 | $30.41 | +4.0% | 120 |
| District of Columbia | $64,800 | $31.15 | +6.6% | 310 |
| Florida | $56,940 | $27.38 | -6.4% | 3,560 |
| Georgia | $60,530 | $29.10 | -0.5% | 1,380 |
| Hawaii | $61,050 | $29.35 | +0.4% | 720 |
| Idaho | $59,570 | $28.64 | -2.0% | 150 |
| Illinois | $61,820 | $29.72 | +1.7% | 2,200 |
| Indiana | $59,020 | $28.37 | -2.9% | 1,060 |
| Iowa | $60,630 | $29.15 | -0.3% | 370 |
| Kansas | $52,130 | $25.06 | -14.3% | 450 |
| Kentucky | $58,920 | $28.33 | -3.1% | 410 |
| Louisiana | $54,140 | $26.03 | -11.0% | 400 |
| Maine | $64,340 | $30.93 | +5.8% | 160 |
| Maryland | $61,620 | $29.63 | +1.3% | 670 |
| Massachusetts | $72,190 | $34.71 | +18.7% | 840 |
| Michigan | $56,490 | $27.16 | -7.1% | 1,880 |
| Minnesota | $61,230 | $29.44 | +0.7% | 1,160 |
| Mississippi | $52,450 | $25.22 | -13.7% | 250 |
| Missouri | $58,740 | $28.24 | -3.4% | 920 |
| Montana | $59,550 | $28.63 | -2.1% | 680 |
| Nebraska | $57,520 | $27.65 | -5.4% | 270 |
| Nevada | $73,910 | $35.53 | +21.5% | 210 |
| New Hampshire | $65,200 | $31.35 | +7.2% | 100 |
| New Jersey | $65,500 | $31.49 | +7.7% | 1,460 |
| New Mexico | $64,100 | $30.82 | +5.4% | 270 |
| New York | $58,580 | $28.16 | -3.7% | 7,790 |
| North Carolina | $59,600 | $28.65 | -2.0% | 1,430 |
| North Dakota | $60,680 | $29.17 | -0.2% | 120 |
| Ohio | $59,160 | $28.44 | -2.7% | 2,020 |
| Oklahoma | $59,110 | $28.42 | -2.8% | 510 |
| Oregon | $63,140 | $30.35 | +3.8% | 3,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,300 | $28.03 | -4.1% | 2,150 |
| Rhode Island | $59,660 | $28.68 | -1.9% | 230 |
| South Carolina | $56,630 | $27.23 | -6.9% | 450 |
| South Dakota | $59,860 | $28.78 | -1.6% | 140 |
| Tennessee | $57,260 | $27.53 | -5.8% | 710 |
| Texas | $59,480 | $28.60 | -2.2% | 3,180 |
| Vermont | $64,950 | $31.23 | +6.8% | 50 |
| Virginia | $55,430 | $26.65 | -8.8% | 1,220 |
| Washington | $80,830 | $38.86 | +32.9% | 1,060 |
| West Virginia | $48,460 | $23.30 | -20.3% | 290 |
| Wisconsin | $60,950 | $29.30 | +0.2% | 770 |
| Wyoming | $61,590 | $29.61 | +1.3% | 40 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers — $59,550/yr
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks — $59,650/yr
- Dental Assistants — $48,070/yr
- Correctional Officers and Jailers — $58,940/yr
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides — $35,800/yr
- Retail Salespersons — $35,410/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for clergy?
The median annual wage for clergy is $60,810 ($29.24 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays clergy the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many clergy are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 57,200 clergy employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do clergy make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $29.24. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.