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Lay Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Chaplain

Rexburg, ID

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

Baton Rouge, 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

Annandale, 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

Greeley, CO · 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

Bronx, NY · 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

Boone, NC · 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

Gaithersburg, MD

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

Parkersburg, 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

Melbourne, FL · 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

Nacogdoches, 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

Philadelphia, PA · 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

Orlando, FL · 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

High Point, NC

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

Lexington, KY · 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

Huntsville, TX

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

Waterbury, CT

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

Colorado Springs, CO · 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

Biddeford, ME · 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

Nashville, TN

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

Vestal, NY · 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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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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 Sep 9, 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 is a lay chaplain?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a lay chaplain?

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 does a lay chaplain collaborate with other staff members?

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.

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.

More about Lay Chaplain jobs

What are popular job titles related to Lay Chaplain jobs?

For Lay Chaplain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lay Chaplain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lay Chaplain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 44% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Chaplain

Rexburg, ID

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Navyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 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

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About US Navy

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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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