Employment and Income Patterns Among Mormon Wives and Husbands
In 2025, Pew Research Center data shows that about 68% of married Mormon women in the U.S. are in the labor force, compared with 76% of married Mormon men. Median household income for LDS-headed families is roughly $85,000, slightly above the U.S. median, according to the latest American Community Survey estimates. Many households rely on dual incomes, with wives often working in education, healthcare, and administrative roles, while husbands are overrepresented in engineering, technology, and construction. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints itself is a major employer, operating universities, hospitals, and welfare programs that provide stable jobs for members. For detailed earnings and employment statistics, see the latest Pew Research Center reports on religion and work https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/.
Among high earners, a notable share of Mormon husbands work in tech and finance hubs such as Silicon Valley and Salt Lake City. Companies like Tesla and SpaceX employ engineers and executives who are members of the LDS Church, though the organizations do not publish religious breakdowns of staff. SEC filings for publicly traded firms show that executive compensation in these firms often exceeds $500,000 per year for senior roles, and many of those executives are married with children. In contrast, a large share of LDS wives work in public education, nonprofit administration, or small business ownership, contributing to household stability and diversified income streams.
Household Roles, Time Use, and Financial Decision Making
Time-use surveys indicate that Mormon husbands spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on childcare and housework, while wives spend about 3.8 hours, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey. However, in households where both spouses work full time, the gap narrows, with husbands taking on more evening and weekend chores. Financial decisions are often shared, with couples reporting joint bank accounts and joint budgeting for housing, education, and tithing. The Church encourages a family council model where spouses discuss major purchases, savings goals, and charitable giving together.
Tithing remains a visible financial commitment, with members typically donating 10% of their income to the Church, which operates a large welfare and humanitarian system. Many couples also prioritize saving for children's education and home ownership, with homeownership rates among LDS families slightly above the national average. In dual-income households, wives often manage day-to-day budgeting while husbands focus on long-term investments, retirement accounts, and insurance planning. Some couples use financial advisors who specialize in LDS family finances, and online forums such as the Mormon Money blog provide peer advice on debt reduction and investing strategies.
Career Trajectories, Side Hustles, and Entrepreneurship
Data from the Church's own employment resources and third-party surveys show that a growing number of Mormon wives run side businesses or freelance remotely, often in e-commerce, content creation, and consulting. Husbands also pursue side projects, particularly in software development, real estate, and trades, with many using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to supplement primary income. The rise of remote work after 2020 has enabled more LDS couples to coordinate schedules around church callings, seminary and institute teaching, and family responsibilities.
Entrepreneurship rates among LDS members are difficult to measure directly, but IRS small-business data and credit card processing reports indicate strong activity in Utah and Idaho, where LDS populations are concentrated. Companies founded by members of the Church include tech startups, health and wellness brands, and food production firms, many of which are registered with the SEC as private or public entities. For a broader look at how religious affiliation intersects with business formation, see the latest Kauffman Foundation research on entrepreneurship