The Presbyterian Association of Musicians’ second Salary Survey (2025) highlights both continuity and change in the profession of church musicians. With n=467 respondents, the survey shows that part-time employment is increasingly the norm (72%), while full-time positions are declining (28%, down from 34% in 2023). Salaries for full-time musicians most often range between $55,000 and $85,000, though one in five earn below $55,000. Part-time musicians remain significantly underpaid, with most earning less than $25,000 annually, and a third reporting no benefits at all.

 

The survey also documents the uneven provision of benefits such as health insurance, retirement, and sabbaticals, and finds that study leave is the most widely available form of continuing education support. For the first time, data on children’s attendance in worship were included, revealing that in 70% of congregations, 25 or fewer children are present. Together, these findings underscore both the dedication of church musicians and the ongoing need for congregations to more fully invest in the well-being of those who lead worship through music.

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Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere thanks to PC(USA) Research Services and Sean Payne Ph.D. for their invaluable support in bringing this report together.

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