Salary Scale Guidelines for Churches and Schools
LCMS Salary Calculator: Ministries can now generate a compensation estimate for positions in both the Parish Professional and Pastoral segments. Concordia Plan Services has developed an online tool that is accessible to all congregations and schools. The output document for each compensation estimate includes extensive information about other compensation considerations including core benefits, time off considerations, salary and tax issues and more.
(note: login information is at the bottom of the web page after clicking on the link above.)
(elementary, middle and high school teachers, preschool and assistant teachers, childcare and assistant teachers, head administrators/principals, assistant administrators/principals and early childhood directors)
Southeastern District Salary Guidelines and recommended starting salary information may be found on the following links:
(Updated on 07/06/26, for 2026 – 2027 scale)
Salary & Benefits Guidelines for Professional Church Workers
Salary Scale for Congregations – (DCE, DCO, Pastor, SMP, Director of Music)
Salary Scale for Schools – (Teachers, Early Childhood Directors)
Salary Guidelines exhibits – PDF
Suggested Compensation Guidelines for Pulpit Supply/Organist/Lecturer Services – PDF
Taxes and Ministers – A resource on tax issues for ordained and commissioned ministers. (This is a downloadable PDF of the booklet resource found on the LCMS webpage for Church Office Administration Resources – please scroll to the bottom for the latest version of Taxes and Minsters)