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Pastor Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia Memorial Hospital

Chaplain

Astoria, OR

Clinical Pastoral Education training and experience working in the medical field as a Pastor/Chaplain preferred. Physical Demands and Work Environment Conditions / ADA Compliance Position involves ...

Columbia Memorial Hospital

Chaplain

Astoria, OR · On-site

Clinical Pastoral Education training and experience working in the medical field as a Pastor/Chaplain preferred. Physical Demands and Work Environment Conditions / ADA Compliance Position involves ...

Venture I Inc

CHAPLAIN

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Licensed or Ordained Minister, Pastor, Chaplain, or Clergy Member in good standing. * Minimum one (1) year of pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, hospice, healthcare, or counseling experience preferred.

Venture I Inc

CHAPLAIN

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Licensed or Ordained Minister, Pastor, Chaplain, or Clergy Member in good standing. * Minimum one (1) year of pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, hospice, healthcare, or counseling experience preferred.

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Pastor Chaplain information

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$41K

$68.7K

$117.5K

How much do pastor chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastor chaplain in the United States is $68,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pastor chaplain?

Pastor Chaplains are clergy members who provide spiritual support, counseling, and guidance to individuals in various settings such as hospitals, military units, prisons, schools, or organizations. While both pastors and chaplains are ordained ministers, chaplains specifically serve outside traditional church environments, offering care to people of all faiths or none. Their responsibilities may include conducting religious services, offering crisis intervention, and supporting emotional and spiritual needs. Pastor Chaplains often work as part of interdisciplinary teams to address holistic well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pastor chaplain?

To thrive as a Pastor Chaplain, you need a strong background in theology, pastoral care, and counseling, often supported by a divinity degree and denominational endorsement or certification. Familiarity with spiritual assessment tools, pastoral care documentation systems, and crisis intervention protocols is essential. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities enable effective spiritual support, ethical guidance, and emotional comfort for individuals in diverse and challenging life situations.

How do pastor chaplains typically balance administrative tasks with providing spiritual care to individuals?

Pastor Chaplains often juggle a variety of responsibilities, including leading worship services, offering counseling, and managing administrative duties like scheduling, documentation, and coordinating with other staff. Balancing these tasks requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize immediate pastoral needs, such as crisis intervention, while ensuring regular duties are completed. Many Pastor Chaplains work closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as healthcare professionals in hospitals or staff in correctional facilities—to integrate spiritual support with overall care. Time management and clear communication are essential for maintaining this balance and providing effective ministry.

What is the difference between Pastor Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectPastor ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsTypically requires theological degree and ordinationRequires theological degree, ordination, and often clinical pastoral education (CPE)
Work EnvironmentReligious settings, churches, community organizationsHospitals, healthcare facilities, medical settings
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, community organizationsHospitals, healthcare providers
Primary FocusSpiritual guidance, religious services, community supportProviding spiritual care to patients, families, and staff in medical settings

While both roles involve providing spiritual support, a Pastor Chaplain typically works in religious or community settings, focusing on spiritual guidance and religious services. A Hospital Chaplain specializes in offering spiritual care within healthcare environments, often requiring additional clinical training. The key difference lies in their work environment and specific training requirements, though both serve to support individuals' spiritual needs.

Can I be a pastor chaplain without being ordained?

A pastor chaplain typically needs to be ordained or credentialed by a religious organization to provide spiritual support and perform religious duties. However, some chaplain roles may accept non-ordained individuals with relevant training, certifications, and experience in counseling or spiritual care, depending on the employer's requirements. It is important to check specific job postings for their qualification criteria.

Is there a high demand for pastor chaplains?

The demand for pastor chaplains is generally steady, especially in healthcare, military, and correctional settings where spiritual support is essential. Employment opportunities depend on the size of the organization and community needs, with some regions experiencing higher demand due to population growth and institutional expansion.

What qualifications do I need to be a Pastor Chaplain?

To become a Pastor Chaplain, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or a related field, along with ordination or licensing from a recognized religious organization. Many roles also require relevant pastoral experience, strong interpersonal skills, and sometimes certification in chaplaincy from organizations like the Association of Professional Chaplains. Additional training in counseling, crisis intervention, or specific settings such as healthcare or military may be beneficial.
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What states have the most Pastor Chaplain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pastor Chaplain jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Pastor Chaplain jobs?

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

Pastor Chaplain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastor Chaplain job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,665 per year, or $33 per hour.

Chaplain

Wilsonville, OR • On-site

Physicians Choice Home Health
See more jobs at Physicians Choice Home Healthexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Posting for Hospice Pastor / Chaplain at VistaRiverJob Description

VistaRiver, an esteemed health and wellness organization dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care, is currently seeking a dedicated and spiritually attuned individual to join our team as a Part-Time Hospice Pastor / Chaplain. This pivotal role will cater to a diverse community, providing spiritual support and guidance to both patients and their families during crucial times. Located at our supportive care facility, this position is not a remote job and requires the presence on-site to effectively fulfill the duties and responsibilities associated with the role.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide emotional and spiritual support to hospice patients and their families, ensuring services are in line with their beliefs and needs.
  • Conduct spiritual assessments of patients to better understand their spiritual needs and provide appropriate interventions.
  • Facilitate religious or spiritual rituals and ceremonies as per patient and family's faith traditions.
  • Offer grief counseling and bereavement support to families before and after the passing of a loved one.
  • Work collaboratively with the hospice care team to integrate spiritual care into the overall care plan.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss and plan patient care from a holistic viewpoint.
  • Document spiritual care services and interactions in patient care records accurately and timely.
  • Develop and lead training sessions for staff on handling spiritual issues and enhancing their competence in providing spiritual care.
  • Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity to the beliefs and practices of others, fostering an inclusive environment.
  • Engage in community outreach to educate on hospice philosophy and the role of spiritual care in end-of-life settings.
Requirements
  • Ordained or Licensed Minister, with official ordination or licensure from a recognized religious body or denomination.
  • Strong theological foundation with a solid understanding of religious texts, doctrines, and spiritual practices relevant to the populations served.
  • Ability to respect and support people of various faith traditions or no faith, adapting care to patient and family beliefs.
  • Exceptional listening skills, with the ability to listen deeply, non-judgmentally, and attentively to patients, families, and staff.
  • Calm and grounded demeanor, providing a steady, reassuring presence even in emotionally charged or crisis moments.
  • Strong emotional intelligence and boundaries to provide care without overextending personal capacity.
  • Understanding of hospice philosophy: comfort over cure, dignity, and patient-centered care.
  • Experience in supporting anticipatory grief, family grief, and post-death bereavement.
  • Ability to address spiritual distress, meaning-making, forgiveness, reconciliation, and preparation for death.