2026 Compensation Minimums
The 206th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine approved new minimum compensation standards for both lay employees and clergy serving in diocesan congregations and related ministries, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Lay Employee Compensation
Lay employees of any congregation or ministry in the diocese who work more than 250 hours annually must be compensated at a minimum hourly rate of $16.45.
Congregations should note that this diocesan minimum exceeds the State of Maine minimum wage of $15.10 per hour that takes effect in January. However, some municipalities have established higher local minimum wages: Portland’s minimum will be $16.75 per hour, and Rockland’s will be $16 per hour. Congregations in these cities should ensure compliance with the higher applicable rate for all lay employees (regardless of the number of hours worked annually).
Compensation for Priests
The minimum total compensation for newly called full-time presbyters is $65,792, an increase from $64,000 in 2025. Total compensation includes cash stipend, the congregation’s reimbursement of 50 percent of the priest’s Self-Employment Tax, and housing and utilities allowance.
The resolution also requires all congregations employing presbyters to report their compensation annually to the diocese, enabling better transparency and guidance for congregations and clergy during search processes or Letter of Agreement reviews. Existing Letters of Agreement remain in effect, though total compensation may not fall below 2025 levels.
Supply priest rates are set at $175 for one service, $225 for two consecutive services, and $85 per unit (approximately three hours) of clerical time for pastoral duties or non-Sunday liturgical work, plus reimbursement for expenses at cost.
Do you have payroll changes that you wish to have go into effect in 2026? Please complete and email the 2026 Central Payroll Enrollment Form as soon as possible to Finance Director Sherri Quint.
Questions and expressions of interest in serving on the Compensation Committee may be directed to the diocesan finance office at accounting@episcopalmaine.