I just found this very interesting report on the Children’s Ministry Magazine website. It gives the salary breakdown for children’s ministry jobs and even lets you calculate and compare your salary based on very fine tuned demographics.
Check out the children’s ministry salary survey. You’ll find detailed compensation numbers for church staff serving part-time and full-time in children’s ministry.
As you might guess, there is a big gap based on church size and gender. But I was surprised that years at present church didn’t make a big difference. If you are trying to work with your church to establish a fair pay rate, this salary survey for children’s ministry staff is a great resource to have available.
It still looks like children’s ministers are paid lower salaries than pastors and youth ministers. But just remember that our real treasure is in heaven, where the last shall be first. That’s my retirement plan for now.
The reality is that most of us do this job because of God’s calling and a passion to minister to children. But if you’re like me, supporting your family is also a part of the package. So, keep these average salary figures in mind if you’re looking for a children’s ministry job.
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Thanks for this wonderful website. I work with children at my church, I do have a job and 2 children, but I do not get paid for my work there. To me if it’s my passion to serve Christ, I do not have to get paid for it. By the way the church never discuss payment issue with us. Do others churches really pay their ministers beside the pastors?
@Sandrina Lima-Compas: Thanks for you encouraging comments. To answer your question: Many protestant churches in America have been hiring children’s ministry staff.