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Lay Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Hampton, VA · On-site

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Kansas City, MO · On-site

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Lake Worth, FL

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

New Orleans, LA

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

El Paso, TX · On-site

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Covington, KY

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Virginia Beach, VA

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Rapid City, SD

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Hammond, IN

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Syracuse, NY

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Morgantown, WV

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Miami, FL

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Dekalb, IL

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Middletown, DE · On-site

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Charleston, SC · On-site

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Paterson, NJ

Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs * Promote attendance at religious ... Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student. Opportunities for continuing education are ...

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Lay Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do lay chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for lay 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 lay chaplains?

Lay chaplains are individuals who provide spiritual, emotional, and pastoral support in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, prisons, or the military, without being ordained clergy. They often serve people of all faiths or those with no religious affiliation, offering comfort, guidance, and a listening ear during challenging times. While they may have formal training in pastoral care or counseling, lay chaplains are not required to perform sacraments or lead religious services, focusing instead on support and presence.

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

To thrive as a Lay Chaplain, you need a solid grounding in pastoral care, active listening, and spiritual guidance, often supported by relevant training or theological education. Familiarity with record-keeping systems, safeguarding protocols, and sometimes specific faith-based certifications is important. Compassion, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and offer effective emotional support. These skills are essential for providing holistic care, promoting well-being, and supporting diverse communities in sensitive settings.

How do you become a lay chaplain?

To become a lay chaplain, individuals typically need to have a strong faith background, relevant interpersonal skills, and often complete specific training or certification programs offered by religious or community organizations. Volunteer experience or prior work in pastoral care can also be beneficial, and some positions may require background checks or clearances depending on the setting.

Where do chaplains make the most money?

Chaplains tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare and military settings due to the specialized nature of their roles and the demand for spiritual support in these environments. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and geographic location, with some regions offering higher pay due to cost of living and institutional budgets.

How does a Lay Chaplain typically collaborate with other staff members in a healthcare or educational setting?

A Lay Chaplain often works closely with multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, doctors, counselors, and social workers, to provide holistic support to patients, students, or community members. Collaboration involves participating in care planning meetings, sharing insights on the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, and coordinating support services or referrals. Open communication and mutual respect are essential, as Lay Chaplains advocate for spiritual care while respecting professional boundaries and confidentiality. This teamwork helps ensure comprehensive care and a positive environment for those they serve.

Can a chaplain be a lay person?

Yes, a lay chaplain is a non-ordained individual who provides spiritual support and pastoral care within various settings such as hospitals, prisons, or military environments. Lay chaplains often receive specialized training and certification but do not hold formal clergy titles or ordination. They serve alongside ordained chaplains to meet the spiritual needs of diverse populations.

What is the difference between Lay Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectLay ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsOften no formal theological degree, may have certificationTypically requires theological degree and certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, religious organizations, some healthcare facilitiesHospitals, healthcare settings, medical centers
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, community organizations, some healthcare facilitiesHospitals, healthcare systems, medical institutions
Primary RoleProvide spiritual support, counseling, and community outreachOffer spiritual care, emotional support, and chaplaincy services in medical settings

While both Lay Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains provide spiritual support, the main difference lies in their work environment and credentials. Hospital Chaplains typically have formal theological training and work directly within healthcare settings, whereas Lay Chaplains often serve in community or religious organizations with varied certifications.

What do lay chaplains do?

Lay chaplains provide spiritual support, counseling, and prayer to individuals in settings such as hospitals, prisons, or military environments. They often work alongside professional clergy, requiring good communication skills and sometimes relevant certifications or training in pastoral care.
More about Lay Chaplain jobs
What job categories do people searching Lay Chaplain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lay Chaplain jobs are:
Lay Chaplain jobs near you
Roman Catholic Chaplain (Lay Person or Ordained)

Roman Catholic Chaplain (Lay Person or Ordained)

Holy Name

Teaneck, NJ • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description
Chaplain
Welcome to Holy Name, a medical center where innovation is not just a goal - it's a commitment. Here, medical excellence thrives, allowing hope to reign supreme and leaving no room for fear. At our hospital, every patient is cared for with undivided attention - because healing every soul is our sole focus.
Holy Name is New Jersey's only independent Catholic health system, comprising a 361-bed acute care hospital, a renowned cancer center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a residential hospice, a prestigious nursing school, and an extensive physician network. Healing at Holy Name goes beyond medicine and technology - it is infused with faith, conviction, compassion, and a commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals through a variety of residency and educational programs. Our mission to provide care for the body, mind, and soul spans education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and overall wellness. This is at the core of who we are and what we do, and we've done it this way across generations, every single day, for nearly 100 years. Every innovation, medical breakthrough, and groundbreaking treatment is powered by some of the best minds in medicine, ensuring nothing is left on the table or the road to recovery.
A Brief Overview
The Pastoral Lay Chaplain is a member of Holy Name Medical Center's Interdisciplinary team and delivers pastoral services to all patients, families, and staff employees.
What you will do
  • Works in collaboration with the Pastoral Care Director and Priest/Chaplain
  • Regularly visits and communicates with patients of all faiths and documents visits on patient's medical records
  • Maintains ethical and cultural sensitivity
  • Provides appropriate prayer experience to patients and staff as needed
  • Makes good use of time, adheres to schedule
  • Assists patients and families with advanced directives or living wills as requested
  • Fulfills other assignments as needed

Education Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Theology or related field required
  • Master's Degree with Theology specialization preferred

Experience Qualifications
  • 1-3 years Related experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to lead and coordinate Interfaith prayer with patients family members and/or staff as appropriate
  • Ability to articulate the ethical and religious directives for Catholic Health Care Services

Licenses and Certifications
  • Certification by an appropriate clinical pastoral agency within 3 years preferred

At Holy Name, we believe in rewarding every team member with more than a paycheck-we invest in your future and well-being. Full-time and part-time employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and quality of life. We offer low-cost medical coverage with generous employer contributions, dental and vision plans, discounted prescriptions, and access to on-site child care. Additional benefits include 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, legal and voluntary coverage options, life insurance, and free on-site parking. If you are hired at Holy Name, your final base compensation will be determined based on factors such as employment status (Full/Part-Time or Per Diem) skills, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors - we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider any internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Pay Range: $25.00/hour - $30.00/hour
Holy Name is a mission-driven facility whose quality standards and philosophy are rooted in the principles of its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Those principles are exercised daily by the Medical Center's dedicated and talented staff members. Holy Name is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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