Clergy salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Clergy in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $59,240 a year ($28.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,690 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $60,810. Pay here is 3% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $57,260. There are 0.24 clergy per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.64). The average (mean) salary is $60,220, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for clergy in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,530 | $19.97 |
| 25th percentile | $51,300 | $24.67 |
| Median | $59,240 | $28.48 |
| 75th percentile | $63,980 | $30.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,690 | $36.39 |
| Average (mean) | $60,220 | $28.95 |
Half of clergy earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,936.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,468.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,278.46 |
| Weekly | $1,139.23 |
| Hourly | $28.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $59,240 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Clergy salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $60,720 | 220 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $59,040 | 70 |
| Knoxville, TN | $57,140 | 60 |
| Jackson, MS | $57,110 | 60 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $54,360 | 70 |
| Johnson City, TN | $53,390 | 40 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $51,670 | 30 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $49,410 | 110 |
Highest-paying states for clergy
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $80,830 |
| California | $77,710 |
| Nevada | $73,910 |
| Massachusetts | $72,190 |
| New Jersey | $65,500 |
| New Hampshire | $65,200 |
| Vermont | $64,950 |
| District of Columbia | $64,800 |
| Maine | $64,340 |
| New Mexico | $64,100 |
See Clergy pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $56,090 | $26.97 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $50,260 | $24.17 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $65,290 | $31.39 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $40,530 | $19.49 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $64,430 | $30.98 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $46,810 | $22.51 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $49,870 | $23.97 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $53,680 | $25.81 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $58,010 | $27.89 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $43,310 | $20.82 |
| Community Health Worker | $40,340 | $19.40 |
| Counselors, All Other | $49,600 | $23.85 |
| Health Education Specialist | $49,630 | $23.86 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $43,830 | $21.07 |
More: Community and Social Service Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 21-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a clergy make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for clergy in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $59,240 a year, or $28.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,690 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid clergy make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of clergy in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $75,690 a year. The top 25% earn $63,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for clergy in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,530 a year, and a quarter of clergy earn $51,300 or less.
How many clergy work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 140 clergy are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.