How we compute salary data
The short version. Real numbers from real listings, a hard minimum sample size, and no number without its provenance.
Where the data comes from
Every figure on these pages is computed from compensation posted on job listings across our boards, including Christian Jobs List and Christian Tech Jobs. We count live listings and listings from the recent past. We do not use surveys, self-reported numbers, or third-party estimates. If an employer did not post compensation, the listing is not in the sample.
The n≥5 rule
No statistic is published from fewer than 5 listings. When a state, organization type, or employment type falls below that threshold, we show no number for it rather than a misleading one. The sample size behind every stat is displayed next to it.
How compensation is normalized
Listings post pay as annual salaries or hourly rates. Hourly rates are annualized at 2,080 hours (40 hours a week, 52 weeks). When a listing posts a range, we use its midpoint. Listings whose annualized compensation falls below $10,000 are excluded as data errors or stipend roles.
How roles are grouped
Job titles vary widely, so we map titles to canonical roles. A "Student Ministries Pastor" and a "Youth Minister" both count toward the youth pastor benchmark. Specific titles are matched before broad ones, so an executive pastor listing never inflates the general pastor numbers.
What the numbers do not include
Our figures reflect posted cash compensation only. Housing allowances, parsonages, tuition benefits, and other non-cash compensation common in ministry packages are not included, so total compensation can run meaningfully higher than the posted number, especially at churches.
Refresh cadence
Aggregates are recomputed weekly. Every stat carries the date of its last refresh. Percentiles shown are the 25th, 50th (median), and 75th of the normalized sample.