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Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Morrow, GA ยท On-site

The Army Active Duty Chaplain serves as a commissioned officer providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and ethical guidance to soldiers and their families. This role supports individuals of ...

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Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are chaplains?

Chaplains are spiritual care professionals who provide emotional, religious, and spiritual support to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, the military, prisons, schools, and workplaces. They offer counseling, lead religious services, and support people of all faiths or no faith during times of crisis, grief, or transition. Chaplains often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to address the holistic needs of those they serve, respecting diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Their role is to be a compassionate presence, offering guidance, comfort, and hope.

Can you be a chaplain without being religious?

Chaplain roles typically require a religious background or affiliation, as they provide spiritual support based on specific faith traditions. However, some chaplain positions in secular settings may focus on providing emotional support and counseling without religious affiliation, but these are less common. Certification and training in counseling or pastoral care are often beneficial regardless of religious beliefs.

What do you do as a chaplain?

A chaplain provides spiritual support, counseling, and guidance to individuals in settings such as hospitals, military, or prisons. They offer emotional comfort, conduct religious services, and assist with end-of-life or crisis situations, often requiring relevant certifications and interpersonal skills.

How does a chaplain typically collaborate with medical staff and families in a healthcare setting?

Chaplains in healthcare environments work closely with doctors, nurses, and other staff to provide holistic care, addressing patients' spiritual and emotional needs alongside their physical health. They often join interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient well-being and may be called upon to support families during difficult moments, such as end-of-life decisions or crises. Open communication, empathy, and adaptability are essential, as chaplains navigate diverse beliefs and emotional states while ensuring that both patients and families feel supported and understood.

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

To thrive as a Chaplain, you need a solid background in theology or pastoral care, often supported by a master's degree in divinity or related field and ordination or endorsement from a recognized faith group. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs) and certification from organizations like the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) are typically required in healthcare or institutional settings. Exceptional listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication skills help build trust and provide meaningful spiritual support to diverse individuals. These competencies are vital for addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of people in crisis, promoting holistic well-being, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What Are Chaplains?

As a Chaplain, you provide spiritual support to people who cannot attend regular organized religious services due to health or other circumstances. Chaplains are usually attached to a secular facility or location. Your primary responsibilities as a Chaplain are to act as a faith leader to people who need guidance or counseling and offer support to individuals who are struggling. Your job duties as a chaplain are to answer questions, lead interfaith or non-denominational religious services, and provide spiritual guidance. You can find Chaplaincy jobs in hospitals, prisons, and the military.

What are the qualifications to be a chaplain?

To become a chaplain, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, often in theology, religious studies, or a related field, along with relevant pastoral or ministry experience. Many chaplains also pursue a master's degree in divinity or theology and obtain certification or ordination from their religious organization. Additionally, strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and familiarity with the environment where they will serve are important qualifications.

Do chaplains make good money?

Chaplains' salaries vary depending on the setting, experience, and location, but they generally earn a median annual wage of around $45,000 to $55,000. Those working in hospitals, military, or government roles may earn higher salaries, and additional certifications can influence earning potential. Overall, chaplaincy is often considered a service-oriented profession with moderate compensation.

What is the difference between Chaplain vs Counselor?

AspectChaplainCounselor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a religious degree, ordination, and certificationRequires a master's degree in counseling or psychology, licensure often needed
Work EnvironmentHospitals, military, prisons, religious institutionsPrivate practice, schools, mental health clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageReligious organizations, healthcare, militaryHealthcare, education, mental health services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in spiritual careUnderstanding mental health support roles

While both Chaplains and Counselors provide support and guidance, Chaplains focus on spiritual care within religious or institutional settings, often requiring religious credentials. Counselors primarily offer mental health therapy, requiring counseling degrees and licensure. The roles may overlap in settings like hospitals but serve different primary functions.

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Infographic showing various Chaplain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Chaplain

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Plan and conduct worship services, rites, and ceremonies for military personnel.

  • Offer confidential counseling and support to service members and their families during times of stress, grief, crisis, and deployment.

  • Advise commanders on ethical, moral, and religious matters to support decision-making and ensure religious accommodations.


Job description

The Army Active Duty Chaplain serves as a commissioned officer providing spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and ethical guidance to soldiers and their families. This role supports individuals of all faith backgrounds, ensuring the free exercise of religion while strengthening morale, resilience, and overall well-being across military units.

Religious Leadership

  • Plan and conduct worship services, rites, and ceremonies

  • Provide spiritual guidance and religious education

  • Facilitate or coordinate support for diverse faith groups

Pastoral Care & Counseling

  • Offer confidential counseling to service members and families

  • Provide support during stress, grief, crisis, and deployment

  • Visit soldiers in units, hospitals, and field environments

Advisory Role

  • Advise commanders on ethical, moral, and religious matters

  • Support decision-making with awareness of cultural and religious considerations

  • Assist with religious accommodations and policy compliance

โœ… Basic Requirements

Active Duty Chaplain

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Under age 42 (waivers possible)
  • 72-credit Masterโ€™s in theology/religion from accredited seminary
  • 2+ years of post-grad full-time ministry (waivers available)
  • Endorsement from your religious organization