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Pastor Chaplain Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Pastor Chaplain information

See Michigan salary details

$35.7K

$59.8K

$102.4K

How much do pastor chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastor chaplain in Michigan is $59,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 valued. Employment opportunities depend on the size of the organization and community needs, with some regions experiencing higher demand due to growing awareness of spiritual care's importance. Certification and experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

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.

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.

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 pastoral or chaplaincy training. Many roles also require ordination or certification from a religious organization and strong interpersonal skills to provide spiritual support in various settings such as hospitals, military, or correctional facilities.
What are popular job titles related to Pastor Chaplain jobs in Michigan? For Pastor Chaplain jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pastor Chaplain jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Pastor Chaplain jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Pastor Chaplain job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,848 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Staff Chaplain: Part-Time

Brio Living Services

Chelsea, MI • On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Staff Chaplain: Part-Time
Department: Admin
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: Chelsea, MI
Compensation: $26.00 - $30.00 / hour
Description
Schedule: Part-Time | 12 hours per week | Monday-Friday with 1 Sunday afternoon per month
Department: Chelsea Retirement Community | Chelsea, MI
What You'll Do:The Staff Chaplain provides compassionate spiritual care to residents, their families, and caregivers, either directly or through coordination with other services. This role involves planning and leading meaningful spiritual programs, as well as offering dedicated support for End-of-Life (EOL) care, ensuring comfort and guidance during critical moments
Key Responsibilities
  • Facilitate worship practices and spiritual growth opportunities that are important to all faith traditions.
  • Conduct regularly scheduled religious services for residents.
  • Maintain and submit records/reports of pastoral activities, as required, and prepare necessary information for inclusion in residents' medical records.
  • Provide spiritual help to residents and team members during periods of crisis, death and dying, grief and loss as needed.
  • Perform rites, penance, communion (Holy Eucharist), funerals, etc., as requested.
  • Assist dying residents to meet their needs, carry out their desires, and preserve their dignity.
  • Visit residents who are hospitalized as needed. Inform the resident's pastor of the resident's admission or condition upon request.
  • Develop meaningful pastoral relationships/network within the community by visiting regularly with residents on a casual basis.
  • Serve on various committees or work groups as directed.
  • Support leadership in maintaining an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the community.

The above is a summary of the position, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties this position will be required to perform. If selected for the position you will receive a full job description.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
  • Bachelor's degree in human service field, Master of Divinity Degree or equivalent, preferred.
  • Be ordained and in good standing with one's ecclesiastical body, preferred.
  • Three (3) years' experience in a pastoral ministry with significant time spent working with the elderly, preferred.
  • Association of Professional Chaplains certification, preferred.
  • Duly ordained in accordance with the laws of this state, preferred.

Job Benefits
  • Wellness Program & Reimbursement - Prioritize your health and well-being, reimbursed $120 a year!
  • Retirement Savings Plan - Secure your future with employer contributions.
  • Daily Pay - Instantly transfer your daily earnings.
  • Team Member Referral Bonus Program - Earn $500 when you bring great people to our team!

ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT
Brio Living Services is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please contact us at loveyourcareer@mybrio.org
BRIO LIVING SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Brio Living Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
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