Clergy Salary
Median salary £30,655 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
About this role
Clergy are ordained religious leaders who conduct worship services, provide spiritual guidance, perform sacraments and ceremonies, and serve their faith communities. They work across Christian denominations including the Church of England, Roman Catholic Church, Methodist, Baptist and other churches.
Key responsibilities
- Conducting worship services, sacraments and religious ceremonies
- Providing pastoral care, counselling and spiritual guidance
- Preparing and delivering sermons and religious teachings
- Officiating at weddings, funerals and baptisms
- Managing parish administration and community outreach
Qualifications and entry routes
Church of England clergy require theological training and ordination. Catholic priests complete seminary training (typically 6 years). Other denominations have their own training pathways.
Career outlook
Most denominations face declining numbers of ordained clergy. Recruitment is a priority across all traditions.
Key skills
Common industries
- Church of England
- Roman Catholic Church
- Free churches
- Chaplaincy services
- Religious charities
Data coverage
Median Salary
£30,655
Mean Salary
£29,668
Jobs (000s)
41k
Data Years
11 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£11,767
0-2 years
Mid Level
£23,975
3-7 years
Senior
£34,415
8-15 years
Potential career growth: +192% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 2.9%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£30,655
Full-time Only
£31,183
Full-time premium: +£528
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