Equitable Compensation

2023 EQUITABLE (MINIMUM) COMPENSATION GUIDELINES

Updated September 13, 2023

2023 Denominational Average Compensation = $76,221

Minimum salary for Full-Time Elders and Full-Time Deacons appointed to serve a local church is set at 60% of the DAC (Denominational Average Compensation) as calculated annually by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. (2023 =$45,732.60)

Minimum salary for Full-Time Associate and Probationary Members appointed to serve a local church is set at 58% of the DAC (Denominational Average Compensation) as calculated annually by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. (2023 = $44,208.18)

Minimum salary for Full-Time Local Pastors appointed to serve a local church is set at 55% of the DAC (Denominational Average Compensation) as calculated annually by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. (2023 = $41,921.55)

The estimated Cost of Living Increase according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2023 is 8.5%. 

Merit/Performance Recommendation:

  • Poor/No increase
  • Fair/.50-1.50%
  • Good/1.51-3.00%
  • Excellent/3.01-4.50%

Please Note: These are recommendations to assist you. The Book of Discipline clearly states that the primary responsibility for determination and payment of pastoral salaries remains with individual pastoral charges.

Click here to download the minimum compensation chart.