Chaplain
Hampton, VA · On-site
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 ...
Chaplain
Hampton, VA · On-site
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 ...
Chaplain
Virginia Beach, VA · On-site
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 ...
Chaplain
Virginia Beach, VA · On-site
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 ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain Corps Officer Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Provide spiritual care, counseling, and ethical leadership to Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard members, and their families ...
Chaplain information
See Virginia salary details
$28.8K - $35K
3% of jobs
$35K - $41.2K
6% of jobs
$41.2K - $47.4K
12% of jobs
$48.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$47.4K - $53.6K
18% of jobs
The median wage is $58.6K / yr.
$53.6K - $59.8K
14% of jobs
$59.8K - $66.1K
12% of jobs
$66.1K - $72.3K
8% of jobs
$75.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$72.3K - $78.5K
5% of jobs
$78.5K - $84.7K
13% of jobs
$84.7K - $90.9K
5% of jobs
$90.9K - $97.2K
4% of jobs
$28.8K
$63K
$97.2K
How much do chaplain jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for chaplain in Virginia is $63,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Can you be a chaplain without a degree?
Becoming a chaplain typically requires at least some post-secondary education, such as a bachelor's degree in theology, religious studies, or a related field. Many chaplain positions also prefer or require certification or ordination from a religious organization, but formal degrees are generally important for credentialing and employment in many settings.
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.
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.
What is the fastest way to become a chaplain?
To become a chaplain quickly, individuals typically complete a relevant bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in divinity, theology, or pastoral counseling. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining certification or ordination can also expedite the process, depending on the employer’s requirements.
What is the difference between Chaplain vs Counselor?
| Aspect | Chaplain | Counselor |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically requires a religious degree, ordination, and certification | Requires a master's degree in counseling or psychology, licensure often needed |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, military, prisons, religious institutions | Private practice, schools, mental health clinics, hospitals |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Religious organizations, healthcare, military | Healthcare, education, mental health services |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding roles in spiritual care | Understanding 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.
More about Chaplain jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Chaplain jobs in Virginia? For Chaplain jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chaplain jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Chaplain jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chaplain jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Chaplain job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chaplain jobs in VA? For Chaplain jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
United States Navy rating
6.3
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.
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US