2027 Salary Guide
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Lead Pastor salary, 2027
Every church size. Every experience level.
Battle Tested500 to 1,200
$84,500to $128,000
That is one of 12 ranges for this role. Small to 1,200+, Good But Green to Unicorn.
Unlock all 12, freeUnlocked. All 12 ranges are below.
Ranges from One39 × Tithely church salary research. National averages; adjust for your local cost of living.
Every size. Every level.
Unlock all 12| Level | Small1 to 500 | Medium500 to 1,200 | Large1,200+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good But Green | Small1 to 500 to | Medium500 to 1,200 to | Large1,200+ to |
| Battle Tested | Small1 to 500 to | Medium500 to 1,200$84,500 to $128,000 | Large1,200+ to |
| Rockstar | Small1 to 500 to | Medium500 to 1,200 to | Large1,200++ |
| Unicorn | Small1 to 500+ | Medium500 to 1,200+ | Large1,200++ |
Battle Tested, 500 to 1,200Open-ended: the guide sets no ceiling
Unlock every Lead Pastor range.
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The job.
Preaching, teaching, vision-casting, and overall church leadership.One39 × Tithely Salary Guide
Straight answers.
How much should a church pay a Lead Pastor in 2027?
At a church of 500 to 1,200 weekly attendance, a Battle Tested Lead Pastor earns $84,500 to $128,000, according to the 2027 Church Salary Guide by One39 × Tithely. The guide has ranges for every church size and all four experience levels, free at guide.one39.co. National averages; adjust for your local cost of living.
How does church size change Lead Pastor pay?
Pay rises with church size. The guide gives Lead Pastor ranges for churches of 1 to 500, 500 to 1,200 and 1,200+ weekly attendance, at four experience levels. Slide to your church in the free tool at guide.one39.co to see yours.
What are the four experience levels?
Good But Green: emerging leaders, hungry for the next step and humble enough to be coached. Battle Tested: experienced leaders with a few years under their belt. Rockstar: several years of experience and a proven history of high achievement. Unicorn: exceptional leaders with a proven record and unparalleled expertise; the guide sets no ceiling at this level.