How much does a Priest, Roman Catholic Church make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Priest, Roman Catholic Church
Image that illustrates Priest, Roman Catholic Church

Priest, Roman Catholic Church

50 800 kr

Priests

50 400 - 51 300 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Priest, Roman Catholic Church

Average salary 50 800 kr
Males 51 300 kr
Females 50 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a priest in the Roman Catholic Church do? – Tasks and work environment

A priest within the Roman Catholic Church is responsible for leading religious ceremonies such as masses, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Tasks also include spiritual guidance, teaching the faith, and parish work where the priest supports and engages church members. The work environment often involves a combination of office work, meetings, and public appearances in church settings. The priest works closely with parishioners and colleagues within the church organization and plays roles as both leader and counselor.

Salary development over time

The salary of a priest in the Roman Catholic Church has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,400 SEK per month, rising to 49 600 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates a further increase to 50,800 SEK, representing a total salary increase of nearly 9.5% from 2022 to 2024. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for qualified priests and general salary adjustments within the church sector. Education level and experience also significantly influence salary development, with more experienced priests typically earning higher wages.

Being a priest in the Roman Catholic Church often involves a lifelong calling where the ability to build trust and relationships within the congregation is crucial for success.

– statsskuld.se

Priest in the Roman Catholic Church salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,400 SEK (female)
  • Highest salary: 51,300 SEK (male)
  • Hourly wage: 306 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable for specific regional variations

Education and qualifications

The educational path to becoming a priest in the Roman Catholic Church typically includes theological studies combined with practical priest training and ordination. Qualifications often require a theological degree and approved ordination within the church.

  • Theological degree: Usually 4–6 years at a university or theological college
  • Ordination: Mandatory ceremony after completing education
  • Practical training: Parish service under supervision before ordination
  • Prerequisites: Basic high school qualifications and often theological prerequisites
  • Continuing education: Courses and further training in pastoral care and church sacraments

Common benefits and compensations

Priests in the Roman Catholic Church are often offered benefits such as housing or housing allowances, pension schemes, and opportunities for study leave. Reimbursement for travel expenses may be provided for official trips, and some priests have access to wellness stipends. Compensation varies depending on employment type and church organization.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by relatively stable but limited competition since the number of ordination places is regulated. Challenges include meeting diverse parishioners' needs and managing both administrative and spiritual duties simultaneously. Priests may also face difficulties in reaching younger generations and adapting church activities to contemporary societal changes. Good communication skills and patience are essential to navigate these complex situations successfully.

Tips for those aspiring to become a priest in the Roman Catholic Church

To succeed as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, it is beneficial to have a strong sense of empathy and listening skills, which facilitate interactions with parishioners in various life situations. Good communication skills are vital for conveying the church's message and leading engaging ceremonies. Discipline and commitment are necessary to complete the lengthy training and meet the demands of the profession. Flexibility and adaptability are also advantageous, as tasks can vary greatly. Finally, patience and perseverance help handle the often complex and emotional aspects of the role.

Key facts about a priest in the Roman Catholic Church

  • Education level: Theological degree and ordination
  • Salary range: 50,400–51,300 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Church and pastoral-oriented
  • Hourly wage: Approximately 306 SEK
  • Number of job openings: 237 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining several years of experience, priests in the Roman Catholic Church can advance to leadership positions within the parish, such as parish priest, or work within the bishopric. Some priests specialize in teaching, diaconal work, or international church activities. Employment forecasts indicate stable demand for qualified priests with multiple job openings, suggesting good future prospects for those pursuing education and employment in this field.

Frequently asked questions about a priest in the Roman Catholic Church

  • What is the average salary of a priest in the Roman Catholic Church?
    - The average salary is approximately 50,800 SEK per month.
  • How large is the pay gap between men and women?
    - Women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a priest in the Roman Catholic Church?
    - A theological degree and ordination are required.
  • Are there many job openings for priests?
    - There are approximately 237 job openings within the profession.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Leading services, spiritual guidance, and parish work.
  • How has the salary developed over recent years?
    - The salary has increased from 46,400 SEK in 2022 to 50,800 SEK in 2024.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Specific data on regional differences is unavailable.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 18:47:57

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Priest, Roman Catholic Church is 51300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Priest, Roman Catholic Church is 50400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 51200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 47500 kr 49600 kr
45-54 49800 kr 51600 kr
55-64 97% 49300 kr 51000 kr
Snitt 98% 49000 kr 50800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Priest, Roman Catholic Church has the SSYK code 2671, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics