Buddhist Priests and Contemplatives

The U.S. Department of Labor does not provide salary information for Buddhist priests and contemplatives, but it does report that religious workers not otherwise classified earned median annual salaries of $37,960 in May 2023. Earnings ranged from less than $28,530 to $73,310 or more.

Full-time Buddhist priests in U.S.-based temples may receive paid vacation, sick, and personal days; medical, dental, and life insurance; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Some contemplatives take vows of poverty, and even if they make no formal vows, their daily lives are generally simple and austere.