With the launch of ChurchSalary 3.0, we’ve completely redesigned how compensation data is gathered and updated. Instead of relying on annual surveys or static reports, the platform now uses real-time user input and live data integrations.
As of December, 2025, the ChurchSalary 3.0 database currently houses over 50,000 total employee records across all 18 positions, and accounts for over $33 billion in total budget of churches across the country. Those numbers continue to grow every day, so that you can be sure you have the most accurate picture of church staffing and pay!
A New Approach to Salary Data
In the past, churches submitted information through outside surveys and waited months—sometimes a full year—for updated salary insights. That often meant leaders were making decisions based on outdated numbers.
ChurchSalary 3.0 changes that!
Every church now creates and manages Employee Profiles directly in their Dashboard. As you update information for your staff, the platform updates along with you. This “living database” means:
Every salary report is built from the most recent information available
The system grows smarter and more accurate as churches keep their profiles up to date
You have immediate access to fresh salary, benefits, and staffing data—no waiting for an annual update
Updated Demographic & Economic Data
Alongside real-time salary data, ChurchSalary 3.0 also keeps your local context current by syncing with trusted government and nonprofit sources, which are dynamically sourced via a specialized Location API. Some of the factors ChurchSalary accounts for are:
Cost of Living Index (COLI): The COLI figure included in every salary report is based on a ZIP code level survey of consumer goods and services from The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). This is used to estimate the relative cost of living compared to the national average.
Demographic Data: The Location API draws data directly from the U.S. Census Bureau. This feeds applications like the Expanded Cost of Living Analysis (COLA) app with up to 17 key metrics such as Median Household Income (MHI), Per Capita Income, Median Home Value, and Total Population, across four geographic levels (Census Tract, Place, County, and Metro Area).
Cost of Labor and Compensation Factors: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regions are used for regional salary comparisons. Furthermore, the platform utilizes BLS data to estimate the general cost of labor by comparing "All Occupations" salary data at the metro or non-metropolitan level against the national average, informing tools like the Comparable Jobs section.
Why Continuous Updates Matter
This dynamic, real-time approach means you no longer have to make decisions based on old or incomplete information. By combining live salary input from churches with the most recent economic indicators, ChurchSalary 3.0 gives you:
Greater confidence in your compensation decisions
Accurate benchmarks tailored to your community
A clearer picture of the church labor market today—not last year
Church leaders deserve trustworthy, timely insights when planning compensation. With continuous updates and smarter data, ChurchSalary 3.0 helps you make fair, informed decisions that support the health of your ministry and the people who serve it.