How Much Do LDS General Authorities Get Paid? Stipends and Benefits Explained

LDS Perspective

# LDS General Authority Compensation: A Modest Living Stipend General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive a modest living stipend rather than a traditional salary, as they do not serve as employees but dedicate themselves full-time to Church service for the remainder of their lives. This stipend provides for basic living expenses including housing, food, clothing, and transportation, enabling these leaders to focus entirely on their spiritual responsibilities without financial distraction. The Church emphasizes that this compensation is not comparable to corporate executive salaries or professional compensation packages. Unlike many religious organizations where senior clergy receive substantial salaries, LDS General Authorities receive what the Church

Historical Perspective

# Historical Perspective: LDS General Authority Compensation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not publicly disclose specific salary figures for its General Authorities, though it acknowledges that senior leaders receive a "living allowance" unlike the lay clergy at the local level. While bishops, stake presidents, and other regional leaders serve as unpaid volunteers, members of the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy, the Twelve Apostles, and the First Presidency receive financial support that enables them to dedicate themselves full-time to Church service. Historical evidence suggests that this compensation system has evolved over time. Early Church leaders often struggled financially, with Joseph Smith and his contemporaries facing significant economic hardship