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Military Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors ... Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find ...

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Military Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do military chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for military 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 some typical challenges faced by Military Chaplains during deployment?

Military Chaplains often face the challenge of providing spiritual support and counseling in high-stress, sometimes dangerous environments where resources and time are limited. Deployments may require adapting religious services to field conditions, supporting service members from varied faith backgrounds, and handling the emotional impact of combat-related issues like grief, trauma, and loss. Chaplains must maintain confidentiality and provide nonjudgmental support regardless of individual beliefs or circumstances. These challenges can be demanding, but they are also deeply rewarding, as chaplains play a vital role in maintaining morale and resilience within their units.

How do you become a military chaplain?

To become a military chaplain, candidates typically need to hold a master's degree in divinity or a related field, be endorsed by a recognized religious organization, and meet the military branch's specific requirements, including passing physical and background checks. They must also complete military training and often serve as active-duty personnel or reserves, providing spiritual support to service members.

What is a Military Chaplain job?

A Military Chaplain is a clergy member who provides spiritual support, religious services, and counseling to military personnel and their families. They serve in various branches of the armed forces, offering guidance during deployments, combat situations, and peacetime operations. Chaplains support service members of all faiths and uphold religious freedom within the military. They also provide ethical and moral leadership, assist with crisis response, and conduct ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

How hard is it to become a chaplain in the military?

Becoming a military chaplain requires meeting specific educational and religious qualifications, including holding a master's degree in divinity or a related field and being endorsed by a recognized religious organization. Candidates must also pass security clearances, meet physical fitness standards, and complete military training. The process can be competitive and involves both civilian and military application steps.

How much do military chaplains get paid?

Military chaplains are paid according to the military pay scale, with salaries typically starting around $40,000 to $60,000 annually for entry-level positions and increasing with rank and experience. They also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, depending on the branch and service length.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Military Chaplain position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Chaplain, you need a strong background in theology or religious studies, ordination or endorsement from a recognized faith group, and a solid understanding of counseling practices. Familiarity with military protocols, reporting systems, and specialized training such as the Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and cultural sensitivity help chaplains connect with service members from diverse backgrounds. These abilities are crucial for fostering spiritual well-being, offering support during difficult times, and ensuring effective integration within the military community.

What is the oldest age to join the military as a chaplain?

The maximum age to enlist as a military chaplain varies by branch, but generally ranges from 42 to 48 years old, depending on the service. Candidates typically need to meet specific educational and certification requirements, and waivers may be available for some applicants near the age limit.
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What cities are hiring for Military Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Military Chaplain job openings:
What states have the most Military Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Military Chaplain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Military Chaplain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Military Chaplain jobs are:
Infographic showing various Military Chaplain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Chaplain

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted just now


United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 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.


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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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