Is it higher in wealthier areas? Who exactly pays them?
Almost all of the preachers’ families I’ve known have lived quite modestly, with the exception of an Episcopalian priest I’ve recently become acquainted with. His wife doesn’t work and they have no small children. They don’t have gold bathtubs filled with champagne or anything, but they do have a more lavish lifestyle than one I associate with those in the ministry. Which is fine and I know that their financial situation is none of my business. However, it did get me thinking about the pay of Episcopalian and Anglican priests, especially as compared to other clergy.
I am Episcopalian and my priest, a female, makes a whopping $30,000 a year even though this is very expensive Massachusetts. She was a high-powered Washington lawyer before she became a priest so she either has money or learned that it isn’t the most important thing to her. Our church is small (about 50 families) and she is listed as part-time even though she works full time. Episcopalian people tend to be wealthier than average but I don’t know if that reflects on the priests. One factor is that Episcopalian priests tend to be much older that in other churches before they join the ministry. I believe the average age is in the early 50’s so that gives future priests time to accumulate some assets before they go into serving.
If you want high ministry salaries, look to some of the mega-churches in areas like the SOuth. Top preachers are in hot demand and can make hundreds of thousands.
Salary.com does not have a job title specifically for Episcopal priests. But in their general clergy category:
The median expected salary for a typical Religious Activities and Education Director in:
- New York, NY is $60,991
- Los Angeles, CA is $58,252
- Chicago, IL is $55,654.
In the Diocese of Ohio,* clergy salaries - within a relatively broad range - are set by the Bishop, but approved by the vestry (church lay council) of each church. The formula takes into account years of experience, size of parish, budget of the parish, etc. Our priest (for a pretty large church in a major urban area) makes about $110,000/yr., I think. And he’s worth every penny! A great guy and wonderful shepherd to his flock.
I think Episcopal clergy is, all in all, better paid than in most other mainline Protestant denominations.
*It’s actually includes just northern Ohio now, but kept the name of the entire state. The Diocese of Southern Ohio was formed later and has a more accurate name.