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Pastoral Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St Johns Regional Medical Center

Chaplain

Oxnard, CA

$32.38 - $48.17/hr

Provides pastoral support and counseling to patients/residents, families, personnel and medical staff, taking special note of patients newly admitted, critically ill, dying and those preparing for ...

State of West Virginia

Chaplain

Charleston, WV · On-site

$31K - $53K/yr

Graduation from a standard high school plus five years experience in pastoral counseling and/or religious ministry may substitute for the above training requirement. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Erickson

$26K/yr

College degree; ordained protestant minister in major denomination; degree in pastoral counseling a plus. Minimum of ten years pastoral ministry experience; work with seniors a plus. Compensation:

West Virginia

Chaplain

Charleston, WV · On-site

$31K - $53K/yr

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in religious education, divinity, pastoral counseling or a closely related field; or, graduation from a Bible College accredited by ...

St Johns Regional Medical Center

Chaplain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$32.38 - $48.17/hr

Provides pastoral support and counseling to patients/residents, families, personnel and medical staff, taking special note of patients newly admitted, critically ill, dying and those preparing for ...

CommonSpirit Health

Chaplain

Oxnard, CA · On-site

Provides pastoral support and counseling to patients/residents, families, personnel and medical staff, taking special note of patients newly admitted, critically ill, dying and those preparing for ...

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How much do pastoral counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for pastoral counseling 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 pastoral counseling?

A Pastoral Counseling job involves providing spiritual and emotional support to individuals, couples, and families facing personal challenges. Pastoral counselors integrate psychological principles with faith-based guidance to help clients navigate issues like grief, marriage conflicts, anxiety, and life transitions. They often work in churches, hospitals, counseling centers, or private practice. Many pastoral counselors have formal training in both theology and mental health counseling. Their goal is to offer compassionate care that aligns with a person's spiritual beliefs while addressing emotional well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pastoral counseling?

To excel in Pastoral Counseling, individuals need a solid background in theology, counseling techniques, and often a graduate degree in divinity or pastoral counseling, along with relevant state licensure or certification. Familiarity with case management systems, confidentiality protocols, and sometimes telehealth platforms is beneficial. Outstanding interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting those in need. These abilities enable counselors to provide effective spiritual and emotional guidance within diverse communities.

What challenges might I encounter as a pastoral counselor, and how can I prepare for them?

Pastoral Counselors often work with individuals facing complex emotional, spiritual, and relational issues, which can be emotionally demanding and require strong self-care practices. Managing boundaries while providing compassionate support and adhering to ethical guidelines is an ongoing challenge in this role. Many counselors also navigate collaboration with other mental health professionals, faith leaders, and community resources. Building resilience, pursuing regular professional development, and participating in peer consultation groups can help you thrive and avoid burnout in this rewarding field.

Do pastoral counselors get paid?

Yes, pastoral counselors typically receive a salary or hourly wage for their work, which can vary based on experience, location, and the setting they work in such as churches, hospitals, or counseling centers. Many also hold certifications or licenses that can influence their compensation. Compensation often includes benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

What can you do with a pastoral counseling degree?

A pastoral counseling degree prepares individuals to provide emotional and spiritual support in settings such as churches, mental health clinics, and community organizations. Graduates can work as pastoral counselors, chaplains, or in related roles that involve counseling, crisis intervention, and spiritual guidance, often requiring certification or licensing depending on the region. Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of counseling techniques are essential for these roles.

What do you need to be a pastoral counselor?

To become a pastoral counselor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, along with specialized training in pastoral care. Many states require licensure or certification, which may involve completing a master's degree in counseling or theology and gaining supervised clinical experience. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and knowledge of religious or spiritual practices are also important for the role.
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Pastoral Counseling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pastoral Counseling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,665 per year, or $33 per hour.

Pastoral Care Clinician/ Therapist

Provive Wellnes of Wayne

Wayne, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Pastoral Counselor

The Pastoral Counselor provides counseling services that integrate psychological principles with spiritual and faith-based perspectives. This role supports individuals in addressing emotional, relational, and spiritual concerns, often within a religious or ministry setting.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide individual, couple, and family counseling using a blend of therapeutic techniques and spiritual guidance
  • Offer crisis intervention and emotional support during times of grief, trauma, or major life transitions
  • Incorporate faith-based perspectives (e.g., prayer, scripture, spiritual reflection) into counseling when appropriate
  • Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in line with counseling and religious guidelines
  • Collaborate with clergy, healthcare providers, and community resources as needed
  • Conduct spiritual assessments and develop personalized care plans
  • Lead workshops, support groups, or educational sessions on topics such as stress, relationships, and spiritual growth
  • Keep accurate records of counseling sessions and client progress
Qualifications
  • Master's degree in counseling, psychology, divinity, or a related field
  • Certification or licensure in counseling (requirements vary by state)
  • Ordination or endorsement by a recognized religious body (preferred or required depending on employer)
  • Knowledge of theological principles and counseling practices
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and respect varying beliefs
Work Environment
  • Outpatient Program
  • May involve evening or weekend hours depending on client needs
Skills and Competencies
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Ethical judgment and integrity
  • Cultural and spiritual sensitivity
  • Conflict resolution and crisis management
  • Strong boundaries and self-awareness

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