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Youth ministry director salary
Average youth ministry director salary
$43,203
Understanding the Salary Landscape for Youth Ministry Directors
The average salary for a Youth Ministry Director in the United States is $43,203 per year, translating to approximately $21 per hour. This salary can vary based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and the size of the congregation. For instance, larger churches in urban areas may offer higher salaries to attract qualified candidates.
In states like California and Texas, where the demand for youth ministry roles is higher, salaries can exceed the national average. A Youth Ministry Director's responsibilities often include planning engaging programs, mentoring youth, and collaborating with church leadership. As such, candidates with extensive experience or specialized training in youth development may command higher salaries.
Career Opportunities and Advancement
For those interested in pursuing a career as a Youth Ministry Director, various paths are available. Many start as volunteer leaders or assistants before advancing to director roles. Additionally, opportunities for professional development through workshops and conferences can enhance skills, making candidates more competitive in the job market.
Overall, the role of a Youth Ministry Director not only provides a meaningful career but also offers the chance to impact the lives of young people positively.
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Where can a Youth Ministry Director earn more?
Youth ministry director salary estimates from across the web
Average youth ministry director salary by state
The average youth ministry director salary in Hawaii, Connecticut, and Delaware are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average youth ministry director salary states are South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for youth ministry directors
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $58,581 | $28.16 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $43,871 | $21.09 |
| 3 | Mississippi | $43,267 | $20.80 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $49,014 | $23.56 |
| 5 | Oklahoma | $42,252 | $20.31 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $48,081 | $23.12 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $45,883 | $22.06 |
| 8 | Delaware | $48,754 | $23.44 |
| 9 | Nevada | $47,147 | $22.67 |
| 10 | Kentucky | $41,660 | $20.03 |
| 11 | Alaska | $44,176 | $21.24 |
| 12 | District of Columbia | $47,157 | $22.67 |
| 13 | California | $48,068 | $23.11 |
| 14 | Utah | $41,862 | $20.13 |
| 15 | Texas | $41,712 | $20.05 |
| 16 | New Hampshire | $44,609 | $21.45 |
| 17 | Michigan | $41,297 | $19.85 |
| 18 | Indiana | $42,062 | $20.22 |
| 19 | Maine | $42,827 | $20.59 |
| 20 | North Dakota | $39,593 | $19.04 |
| 21 | Missouri | $41,473 | $19.94 |
| 22 | Colorado | $40,852 | $19.64 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | $41,272 | $19.84 |
| 24 | Arizona | $39,505 | $18.99 |
| 25 | Maryland | $41,982 | $20.18 |
| 26 | Arkansas | $38,932 | $18.72 |
| 27 | Nebraska | $39,962 | $19.21 |
| 28 | New York | $40,697 | $19.57 |
| 29 | Idaho | $42,220 | $20.30 |
| 30 | Massachusetts | $41,581 | $19.99 |
| 31 | New Mexico | $40,341 | $19.39 |
| 32 | Vermont | $41,666 | $20.03 |
| 33 | Louisiana | $36,219 | $17.41 |
| 34 | South Carolina | $34,875 | $16.77 |
| 35 | Pennsylvania | $37,793 | $18.17 |
| 36 | Washington | $38,822 | $18.66 |
| 37 | Oregon | $38,424 | $18.47 |
| 38 | Florida | $38,262 | $18.40 |
| 39 | South Dakota | $31,421 | $15.11 |
| 40 | Alabama | $32,043 | $15.41 |
| 41 | Tennessee | $35,906 | $17.26 |
| 42 | Ohio | $35,723 | $17.17 |
| 43 | Montana | $30,708 | $14.76 |
| 44 | Virginia | $35,704 | $17.17 |
| 45 | Georgia | $36,192 | $17.40 |
| 46 | Wyoming | $28,893 | $13.89 |
| 47 | Minnesota | $30,022 | $14.43 |
| 48 | Kansas | $28,914 | $13.90 |
| 49 | Illinois | $31,579 | $15.18 |
| 50 | North Carolina | $32,880 | $15.81 |
| 51 | Iowa | $28,444 | $13.68 |
Highest paying cities for youth ministry directors
The highest-paying cities for youth ministry directors are San Mateo, CA, Washington, DC, and Teaneck, NJ.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Mateo, CA | $53,439 | $25.69 |
| 2 | Washington, DC | $47,165 | $22.68 |
| 3 | Teaneck, NJ | $45,689 | $21.97 |
| 4 | New Braunfels, TX | $42,771 | $20.56 |
| 5 | Lawton, OK | $42,669 | $20.51 |
| 6 | Saint Louis, MO | $41,905 | $20.15 |
| 7 | Cambridge, MA | $41,309 | $19.86 |
| 8 | New York, NY | $40,978 | $19.70 |
| 9 | Seattle, WA | $39,303 | $18.90 |
| 10 | Port Charlotte, FL | $38,737 | $18.62 |
| 11 | Cleveland, OH | $37,137 | $17.85 |
| 12 | Columbus, GA | $36,244 | $17.43 |
| 13 | Anderson, SC | $34,686 | $16.68 |
| 14 | Fuquay-Varina, NC | $33,181 | $15.95 |
| 15 | Chicago, IL | $31,626 | $15.20 |
Youth ministry director salary details
A youth ministry director's salary ranges from $26,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $70,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a youth ministry director's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $70,000 | $5,833 | $34 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,000 | $4,583 | $26 |
| Average | $43,203 | $3,600 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
Highest paying youth ministry director jobs
The highest paying types of youth ministry directors are general director, director training & education, and director of teacher education.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director Training & Education | $70,224 | $5,852 | $33.76 | 36,551 |
| General Director | $109,550 | $9,129 | $52.67 | 74,664 |
| Choir Director | $51,590 | $4,299 | $24.80 | 4,799 |
| Youth Director | $44,333 | $3,694 | $21.31 | 7,501 |
Top companies hiring youth ministry directors now:
Which companies pay youth ministry directors the most?
Youth ministry director salaries at Young Life and Hope Presbyterian Church are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average youth ministry director salary at companies like First United Church of Christ and Archdiocese of Chicago are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Young Life | $37,759 | $18.15 |
| 2 | Hope Presbyterian Church | $36,981 | $17.78 |
| 3 | First United Church of Christ | $36,981 | $17.78 |
| 4 | Archdiocese of Chicago | $36,739 | $17.66 |
| 5 | Archdiocese Of San Antonio | $34,984 | $16.82 |
| 6 | The Salvation Army | $34,811 | $16.74 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Youth ministry director salary trends
The average youth ministry director salary has risen by $8,275 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average youth ministry director earned $34,928 annually, but today, they earn $43,203 a year. That works out to a 17% change in pay for youth ministry directors over the last decade.
Compare youth ministry director salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average youth ministry director salary over time
Compare youth ministry director salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Youth ministry director salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $43,200 | $20.77 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $42,000 | $20.19 | +7.0% |
| 2024 | $39,100 | $18.79 | +4.5% |
| 2023 | $37,300 | $17.95 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $37,000 | $17.78 | -0.4% |
Recently added youth ministry director salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant Theological Seminary | Director of Youth Ministry | Springfield, OH | 06/19/2025 | $30,000 |
| Ozark United Methodist Church | Youth Ministry Director | Ozark, MO | 06/10/2025 | $96,000 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | Director of Youth Ministry | Oklahoma City, OK | 06/05/2025 | $60,000 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | Director of Youth Ministry, Congregational Care, and Women's Ministry | Oklahoma City, OK | 05/28/2025 | $30,000 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | Director of Youth Ministry | New York, NY | 05/16/2025 | $90,000 |
| AOB | Coordinator of Youth Ministry | Annapolis, MD | 05/06/2025 | $40,133 |
| 4000 Archdiocese of Seattle Payroll Svc | Pastoral Assistant Youth Ministry-Salary | Edmonds, WA | 04/27/2025 | $57,000 |
| Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church | Director of Youth Ministry | Lexington, KY | 04/23/2025 | $37,566 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | Director of Youth Ministry | Oklahoma City, OK | 04/11/2025 | $60,000 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | Director or Pastor of Youth Ministries | Ripon, CA | 04/11/2025 | $90,000 |
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