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Buddhist Chaplain Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Navy Chaplain Corps boasts more than 800 Navy Chaplains from more than 100 different faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and many others. RESPONSIBILITIES As a Navy ...

Buddhist Chaplain information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.3K

$66.3K

$102.2K

How much do buddhist chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for buddhist chaplain in Riverside, CA is $66,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a Buddhist chaplain?

To become a Buddhist chaplain, individuals typically complete a relevant master's degree in theology, religious studies, or chaplaincy, often from an accredited institution. They also usually gain experience through Buddhist practice, mentorship, and may obtain certification from organizations like the Association of Professional Chaplains or similar bodies. Additional training in counseling, interfaith work, and pastoral care is often required for chaplaincy roles in healthcare, military, or correctional settings.

What are Buddhist chaplains?

Buddhist chaplains are spiritual caregivers who provide emotional, spiritual, and religious support rooted in Buddhist principles to people in various settings, such as hospitals, prisons, universities, and the military. They serve individuals of all faiths or no faith, offering guidance, meditation, and compassionate presence. Buddhist chaplains help people cope with suffering, illness, grief, and ethical dilemmas, and they often collaborate with other chaplains as part of an interfaith team. Their approach emphasizes mindfulness, non-judgmental listening, and alleviating suffering, in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

What are some common challenges Buddhist Chaplains face when supporting individuals from diverse spiritual backgrounds?

Buddhist Chaplains often work in multi-faith environments such as hospitals, prisons, or universities, where they support individuals from a wide range of spiritual and cultural backgrounds. One common challenge is providing meaningful spiritual care while respecting differing beliefs and practices. Chaplains must be adaptable, empathetic, and skilled in interfaith dialogue, ensuring their support is inclusive and sensitive to the varied needs of those they serve. Building trust and establishing rapport in these diverse settings is key to being effective in this role.

What is the difference between Buddhist Chaplain vs Pastoral Counselor?

AspectBuddhist ChaplainPastoral Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires Buddhist ordination or certification, counseling training, and sometimes chaplaincy certificationRequires pastoral or religious counseling certification, often with clinical training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, prisons, military, spiritual centersHospitals, clinics, community settings, private practice
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, healthcare institutions, military chaplaincyHealthcare facilities, mental health clinics, religious organizations

Both Buddhist Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors provide spiritual support, but Buddhist Chaplains focus on Buddhist teachings and rituals, often working within healthcare or institutional settings. Pastoral Counselors may work across various faiths or secular contexts, emphasizing counseling and emotional support. The choice depends on your spiritual background and career focus.

What is the highest paying chaplain job?

The highest paying chaplain roles are often in healthcare, military, or corporate settings, with military chaplains typically earning higher salaries due to additional benefits and security clearances. Senior or specialized chaplains with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher salaries. Salary levels vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility.

How much do Buddhist ministers get paid?

The salary of Buddhist ministers varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of institution they serve. On average, they earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, with some earning more based on their role, community size, and additional responsibilities like counseling or teaching. Many also volunteer or work part-time, which can affect overall compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Buddhist Chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buddhist Chaplain, you need a deep understanding of Buddhist teachings and practices, often supported by formal training in chaplaincy or pastoral care. Familiarity with spiritual assessment tools, electronic documentation systems, and certifications such as Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) are commonly required. Compassion, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills are vital for providing spiritual support to individuals from diverse backgrounds. These skills ensure that chaplains can offer meaningful guidance, emotional comfort, and ethical care in a variety of settings.

What does a Buddhist chaplain do?

A Buddhist chaplain provides spiritual support, counseling, and guidance to individuals in settings such as hospitals, prisons, or military environments. They facilitate meditation, conduct religious services, and offer comfort aligned with Buddhist teachings, often requiring knowledge of Buddhist practices and certification in spiritual care.
What are the most commonly searched types of Buddhist Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Buddhist Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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What job categories do people searching Buddhist Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Buddhist Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Buddhist Chaplain jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Buddhist Chaplain job openings:
Infographic showing various Buddhist Chaplain job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,338 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
Chaplain

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 378 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors and Marines, supporting and uplifting the brave men and women who have chosen to serve their country. The Navy Chaplain Corps boasts more than 800 Navy Chaplains from more than 100 different faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and many others.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Navy Chaplain, your job spans a broad range of duties. You will support fellow servicemembers during their most joyful and most difficult moments. Your responsibilities might be to:

  • Conduct worship services in a variety of settings
  • Perform religious rites and ceremonies such as weddings, funeral services and baptisms
  • Counsel individuals who seek guidance
  • Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school and youth groups
  • Visit and provide spiritual guidance and care to hospitalized personnel and their family members
  • Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs
  • Promote attendance at religious services, retreats and conferences
  • Advise leaders at all levels regarding morale, ethics and spiritual well-being

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re in the process of starting or completing your graduate theological degree, you could potentially enter the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student.

Opportunities for continuing education are available through the Advanced Education Program while being paid full-time as a Navy Officer. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Navy Chaplains can advance their education by:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find out more about additional education opportunities for Officers, including post-graduate school.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • Graduate degree in theological or related studies from an accredited educational institution • Have two years of full-time religious leadership experience
  • Must be able to obtain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a religious faith organization registered with the Department of Defense

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Navy Chaplains immerse themselves in the daily lives of service members. In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and insight in the moment, whenever they’re needed. You could provide support while on land or at sea, when presiding over religious ceremonies on a base or when conducting services from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time opportunities as a Navy Chaplain. Serving part-time as a Reserve Chaplain gives you the flexibility to minister in the Navy while maintaining responsibilities to your congregation at home.


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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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