Associate pastor vs elder

The differences between associate pastors and elders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an associate pastor and an elder. Additionally, an associate pastor has an average salary of $46,081, which is higher than the $32,205 average annual salary of an elder.

The top three skills for an associate pastor include community outreach, pastoral care and oversight. The most important skills for an elder are vital signs, blood pressure, and caregiver.

Associate pastor vs elder overview

	Associate Pastor	Elder
Yearly salary	$46,081	$32,205
Hourly rate	$22.15	$15.48
Growth rate	-	36%
Number of jobs	432	14,156
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age	51	51
Years of experience	4	4

Associate pastor vs elder salary

Associate pastors and elders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Associate Pastor	Elder
Average salary	$46,081	$32,205
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $71,000	Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Fremont, CA	-
Highest paying state	West Virginia	-
Best paying company	Calvary Church	-
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between associate pastor and elder education

There are a few differences between an associate pastor and an elder in terms of educational background:

	Associate Pastor	Elder
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common major	Theology	Business
Most common college	North Park University	Emory University

Associate pastor vs elder demographics

Here are the differences between associate pastors' and elders' demographics:

	Associate Pastor	Elder
Average age	51	51
Gender ratio	Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4%	Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 6.7% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between associate pastor and elder duties and responsibilities

Associate pastor example responsibilities.

Manage and provide oversight for the administration of all ministry areas within the organization.
Deliver messages base on the bible.
Assist children's outreach including VBS and AWANA.
Produce services through media development, PowerPoint, sound system, and print materials.
Direct all children and youth ministries, including outreach, VBS, missions, and choirs.
Implement a comprehensive prayer strategy.

Elder example responsibilities.

Work on achieving goals with child base on yearly ISP reports.
Be able to assist clients with ADL's, such as bathing and grooming.
Fill in as substitute caregiver for other assignments.
Administer medications, assist with meals, laundry, mobility and ADL'S.
Assist father with Alzheimer care needs, social activities and day to day routines.
Serve congregation as a small group leader, usher, and children's ministry volunteer.

Associate pastor vs elder skills

Common associate pastor skills

Community Outreach, 20%
Pastoral Care, 12%
Oversight, 9%
Youth Ministry, 5%
Youth Program, 4%
Public Speaking, 4%

Common elder skills

Vital Signs, 15%
Blood Pressure, 14%
Caregiver, 13%
Home Maintenance, 8%
Meal Preparation, 8%
Social Work, 7%