Being able to help others and helping spread the word of God are just two of the great things about being a pastor. If this is your passion, a monetary return should not be important. However, pastors have expenses too. For salary computations of pastors, the US National Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ has provided a formula. Using this formula, it is possible to calculate the average salary of a pastor.

The average salary of a pastor is solely based on the standard base salary set by the  organization mentioned above. This base salary is $36,100 but it changes each year, upon review. Amounts equal to a part of the base salary are then added according to the number of years of service, educational attainment, and the size of congregation and number of staff.

The compensation for the years of service is computed by adding 1% of the base salary for each year of service. The maximum is 25%. A pastor with Master’s degree will also get 10% of the base salary added to his pay. If he has a second Master’s degree, the additional amount will be equal to 15% of the base salary. A PhD will earn him 20% more of his base salary.

For the amount added to the salary based on the size of attendance and number of staff, the percentage varies between nothing to 36% of the base salary. The size of attendance is based on the average number of people who attend the morning worship.

After adding all additional rates, other factors will also be considered to come up with the pastor’s salary. One is if the pastor is very good at his job. Another factor  that is considered is the cost of living in the area where the pastor’s ministry is located.

“Source: United Brethren”