How to Determine a Salary at a New Church

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Hey Fletch … I am currently a pastor and am up for a new position at another church. I am going to have another interview with the Finance Committee soon and wonder your thoughts on negotiating salary. I also don’t know if you have a formula on figuring out the bring-home pay. I really worry about that because that is what matters to pay the bills. Thanks for your time!

DRF—Congratulations on the possibility of a new position. When you meet with their Finance Committee, it is a good time to talk total compensation. Consider various factors:

Base salary
Benefits, such as medical, dental and life insurance
Cost for participation in the medical plan
Federal, state and local taxes
Cost of living differences between your city and the new one

The formula is to add up the salary and benefits. See what the taxes will be on the salary, and compare that to what you make. Can you live in the new city on the salary that they are offering?

As for comparative salaries, you can get XPastor’s Compensation Survey. This is a low cost way to see what churches of various sizes around the country are paying their pastors. My book, Smart Money for Church Salaries, will also be of help to you.

By David Fletcher|2021-10-09T10:31:23-05:00October 18th, 2018|Compensation|

About the Author: David Fletcher

As an experienced pastor, Fletch knows church life. As a professor, he delivers insightful material. As a seasoned coach, he helps you grow. Dr. David Fletcher is often called "The Dean of Executive Pastors." Fletch was a pastor for 35 years in churches from 1,000-8,000 members, single and multisite, churches with mergers, camps, schools, apartments and cafés. He founded XPastor in 2003 and its 1,300 free articles from over 350 authors have become a principal resource for leaders in a complex church world.