Mega churches are large religious institutions that attract tens of thousands of congregants on a regular basis. As pastor salaries are typically linked to congregational support in the form of tithes and donations, the larger the congregation, the larger the potential salary of the pastor. In addition to salary, mega church pastors usually receive a healthy benefits package, and in some cases, church-subsidized housing and transportation.

Job Description

A mega church pastor serves as the representative voice of his church organization. The lead pastor determines, with input from a church board, mission, messaging, sermon topics, programs, events, community outreach and involvement, fundraising initiatives and a wide range of other functions that relate to the church's overall operational goals and objectives. The lead pastor typically delivers the message at each church service and is on-hand for major church events and board meetings, and typically has office hours during the week.

Education Requirements

Charisma and knowledge of scripture are the two key ingredients for making a successful mega church pastor, but education is of vital importance as well. Most successful mega church pastors have education and training in theology, a bachelor's degree at minimum, a master's or doctorate preferably. Guiding congregations of exceptional size requires an in-depth understanding of the religion represented, and education and experience are very much a necessity. Public speaking and interpersonal communication skills are also an asset, as are counseling skills.

Industry

Pastors can find employment in churches, religious organizations, religious schools, in nursing homes, community centers and the military. As the name implies, mega church pastors typically seek employment at exceptionally large churches, often with televised audiences or multiple branch campuses.

Years of Experience

Mega church pastors are successful when they have a following of congregants. As such, the more experience, the greater the potential for generating enough followers to develop into a church of mega size. As pastors are typically compensated on a percentage basis, based on congregant contributions, the greater the number of donors, the higher the potential salary. According to the Christian Post, for every $1 of annual increase in church-wide giving per attendee, the average executive-level annual salary increased by $15.49. Most pastor salaries are known only to their boards, and as such, the following table represents a salary sampling of the average pay rates of clergy in the U.S.

0-5 years: $83,064-$85,815



$83,064-$85,815 5-10 years: $95,004-$96,878



$95,004-$96,878 10-20 years: $91,067-$99,689



$91,067-$99,689 Over 20 years: $92,317-99,689



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