Salary Guidelines

Cost of Living Average (COLA) increases for 2026 are estimated to be 3% based on the Consumer Price Index.  The Synod Council takes the COLA estimates into account when setting synod guidelines. 

The 2027 Rostered Minister Compensation Guidelines provide explanations and presents aids for determining the various parts of compensation. The components of Pastor’s compensation package will be presented as follows: 

• Base Salary (not including housing or professional expenses)

• Parsonage or Housing Allowance

• Supplemental Benefits

• Professional Expenses

There are different standards of living in the communities which compose the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod.  Guidelines which seem low and inadequate to some may be a significant challenge for others.

The Base Salary for rostered ministers should compare to others in the community of similar responsibility, training, and activity.

Please regard these as minimum guidelines.

Congregations are encouraged to exceed the guidelines in compensating their pastors.

These guidelines and suggested compensation levels for 2027 were reviewed and approved by the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Council August 21, 2026.