Religious priests take a vow of poverty and are supported by their orders. Any salary that they may receive for writing or other activities is usually turned over to their religious orders. Diocesan priests receive small salaries calculated to cover their basic needs. These salaries vary according to the size of the parish, as well as its location and financial status. ZipRecruiter.com reports that Roman Catholic priests earned salaries that ranged from $11,000 to $82,500 in 2025. They earned average salaries of $36,416.
Additional benefits usually include a monthly travel allowance, room and board in the parish rectory, a car allowance, health insurance, retirement benefits, and an educational allowance. Priests who teach or do specialized work usually receive a small stipend that is less than that paid to lay persons in similar positions. Occasionally, priests who do special work are compensated at the same level as a lay person. Priests who serve in the armed forces receive the same amount of pay as other officers of equal rank.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Archakas
- Buddhist Priests and Contemplatives
- Cantors
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Eastern Orthodox Priests
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Fund-Raisers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historic Preservationists
- Imams
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- Muslim Religious Scholars
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Protestant Ministers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Purohits
- Rabbis
- Social Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors