Young Madrid priest earns below minimum wage but gets free housing

Juan Orduña, a 27-year-old priest in Madrid, earns less than the Spanish minimum wage—under 1,200 euros per month—but does not pay for housing, electricity, or water, as those are covered by the Obispado de Madrid Source: clarin; abces; elespanol. Orduña, who was ordained in May 2025 at age 26, shared his finances on the podcast La Pera de Jobs.

Salary and benefits

Orduña stated his monthly salary is less than 1,200 euros, and after deductions for retirement, he says "uno llega bien" (one gets by) Source: clarin; abces. However, he emphasized that priests have a major advantage: they do not pay rent or utilities. He lives in a house for priests in Madrid, where his salary goes toward transportation and food. Additionally, Orduña receives 30 days of vacation plus 7 days for spiritual exercises annually Source: elespanol.

Work schedule and motivation

When asked about his work hours, Orduña said he works "24/7" but also rests Source: abces; elespanol. He starts his day at 6:30 a.m. His motivation is not money but a sense of fulfillment: "No trabajamos por cobrar, sino porque nos realiza como personas" Source: elespanol.

Funding source

Orduña noted that the Obispado pays priests, and part of the funding comes from the state through a convention, though he admitted not knowing the details Source: elespanol.