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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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?

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 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.

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 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.

More about Chaplain jobs
What cities are hiring for Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Chaplain job openings:
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Chaplain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chaplain job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 13% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
U.S. Army Chaplain - RA and USAR

U.S. Army Chaplain - RA and USAR

US Army Chaplain - 5MRB

El Paso, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Turn your passion into a mission of service. 

Caring for the Army's spiritual health is the mission of the Chaplain Corps, vital to the morale and readiness of our Soldiers and their families. The Army's strength depends on securing capable, experienced religious leaders who embrace this sacred call to serve.

Answering the sacred call – ways to serve

A chaplain’s mission is to bring Soldiers to God and God to Soldiers. America calls on our Army to fight and win our nation’s wars and Army chaplains are there every step of the way. Whether in training or operations, Army chaplains represent hundreds of American denominations and faith traditions and fulfill a sacred calling of service captured in our motto, “Pro Deo et Patria” (for God and country). Selecting a vocation as an Army chaplain means making a difference in the world. There are two ways in which you can answer the call to serve others.

Active Duty Chaplain - Active-duty chaplains serve almost every type of unit, including Special Operations, infantry, aviation, intelligence, hospitals, prisons, cyber, and community ministries. The Chaplain Corps also offers select chaplains advanced graduate degrees and specialized ministries in ethics, world religions, hospital ministry, and marriage and family counseling. You could be stationed in the United States, or in one of 180 countries around the world.

Army Reserve Chaplain - The U.S. Army Reserve is the part-time force that provides essential capabilities to the Army, giving them added scale and scope to respond to challenges at home and abroad. As a chaplain in the Army Reserve, you will be able to pursue a civilian ministry while you train near home and serve your community. You will spend two days a month on duty and two weeks a year training. 

Outstanding Benefits

As an Army Chaplain and a commissioned officer, you will be afforded numerous advantages and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits may include: 

★ Starting salary competitive with your civilian counterparts

★ Promotions in rank with corresponding pay increases

★ Travel opportunities within the United States and overseas

★ Up to 30 days of paid vacation earned annually

★ Enrollment in the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

★ No- to low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family

★ Extensive life insurance coverage at a low rate

★ Commissary and post exchange shopping privileges

★ Housing allowance or free on-post housing

★ Use of world-class recreational facilities

★ Uniform allowance

We are looking for Religious Leaders who:

★ Are not older than 42 years old to serve as an Active-duty chaplain, or 47 years old to serve as an Army Reserve chaplain, by the date they are commissioned into the Army

★ Have completed their basic theological education (72 hours or more) for their denomination or faith tradition (often the Master of Divinity degree)

★ Are ordained and endorsed by their denomination or faith tradition to serve in one of the components of the Army

★ Have served at least two years in a full-time professional capacity as a member of a denomination or faith tradition, validated by an endorsing agent (Active Duty only)

★ Are a U.S. citizen to serve Active Duty, or have a permanent U.S. residency to serve in the Army Reserve

Become an Army Chaplain

To learn more about being a Chaplain in the U.S. Army or Army Reserve, click here* or connect with your local Army Chaplain Recruiter to see how you can answer the call. 

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