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Chaplain Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

You'll receive on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Navy Chaplain and be financially compensated for your time while training. It's your chance to see Navy Chaplains at work and to ...

The Lead Chaplain delivers evidence-informed spiritual support to patients, families, and staff; collaborates with interdisciplinary care teams; and ensures that spiritual needs are identified and ...

The Lead Chaplain delivers evidence-informed spiritual support to patients, families, and staff; collaborates with interdisciplinary care teams; and ensures that spiritual needs are identified and ...

The Associate Chaplain will minister to the La Sierra University community through programming worship services, managing Spiritual Life Department resources, and mentoring student leaders. The ...

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Chaplain information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.3K

$66.3K

$102.2K

How much do chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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.

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?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA? For Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Chaplain jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Chaplain jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Chaplain job openings:
Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

Chaplain Candidate Program Officer

U.S. Navy

Pomona, CA • On-site

Full-time

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

This program allows full-time seminary students (pursuing Master of Divinity (MDiv)) to be commissioned as a Navy Officer while completing theological studies at an accredited seminary or graduate school. You’ll receive on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Navy Chaplain and be financially compensated for your time while training. It’s your chance to see Navy Chaplains at work and to experience the challenges and rewards of working in the diverse situations the Navy provides.  There is_ no obligation_ to serve beyond your seminary career and selection into the CCPO program does not guarantee you a career as a US Navy Chaplain.

Basic eligibility includes: a US citizen in excellent physical condition, no criminal history, good financial standing, and is under the age of 39.

Pre-requisites: Full-time student pursuing Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from an accredited institution.


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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

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