1

Priest Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Introduction Do you have the career opportunities as a(an) Priest Chaplain you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join HCA Florida Mercy Hospital which is ...

Description Santa Marta Senior Living is seeking a Catholic Priest Chaplain to provide sacramental ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership for a vibrant faith community of nearly 350 ...

Priest Chaplain

Olathe, KS · On-site

$2.5K/mo

Santa Marta Senior Living is seeking a Catholic Priest Chaplain to provide sacramental ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership for a vibrant faith community of nearly 350 residents spanning ...

Free On-Site Parking Requirements The Roman Catholic Priest Chaplain is responsible for providing pastoral care and sacramental ministry to Roman Catholic patients, in collaboration with the rest of ...

Free On-Site Parking Requirements The Roman Catholic Priest Chaplain is responsible for providing pastoral care and sacramental ministry to Roman Catholic patients, in collaboration with the rest of ...

Catholic Priest

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$43K - $70K/yr

Proof of ordination as priest, good standing, and endorsement to hospital ministry by the ... Department personnel are comprised of Board Certified Professional Chaplains, Chaplain Director ...

Proof of ordination as priest, good standing, and endorsement to hospital ministry by the ... Department personnel are comprised of Board Certified Professional Chaplains, Chaplain Director ...

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Priest, you will provide essential sacramental, spiritual ... Catholic Chaplain, within 24 - months Preferred * Experience in acute care, hospice or long term ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Priest Chaplain information

See salary details

$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do priest chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for priest 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 common challenges faced by Priest Chaplains working in healthcare settings?

Priest Chaplains in healthcare environments often encounter the challenge of addressing diverse spiritual needs across different faith backgrounds while providing compassionate support to patients, families, and staff. Navigating emotionally intense situations, such as end-of-life care or crisis interventions, can be demanding. Additionally, balancing administrative duties with pastoral care requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Effective collaboration with medical teams and maintaining self-care are essential to manage the emotional toll and ensure sustained, meaningful ministry.

What are Priest Chaplains?

Priest Chaplains are ordained clergy members who provide spiritual support, guidance, and religious services in institutions such as hospitals, the military, prisons, or schools. They offer counseling, conduct religious ceremonies, and attend to the spiritual needs of people from various backgrounds, not just those of their own faith. Priest Chaplains often work as part of a team to address the emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals in challenging situations. Their role is vital in fostering hope, comfort, and understanding during times of crisis or transition.

What is the highest paying chaplain job?

The highest paying chaplain roles are often in healthcare, military, or corporate settings, with military chaplains typically earning higher salaries due to additional benefits and security clearances. Senior or specialized chaplains with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher salaries. Salary levels vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility.

What is the difference between Priest Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectPriest ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsReligious ordination, theological degreeReligious ordination, theological degree
Work EnvironmentReligious institutions, community settingsHospitals, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churchesHospitals, healthcare providers
Primary FocusSpiritual guidance within religious contextsProviding spiritual support to patients and staff

Both Priest Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains require similar credentials and often work within religious or healthcare settings. While Priest Chaplains focus on religious services and community spiritual guidance, Hospital Chaplains specialize in offering spiritual support to patients, families, and healthcare staff in medical environments. The roles overlap in providing spiritual care but differ mainly in their work environment and specific duties.

How does a priest become a chaplain?

To become a priest chaplain, an individual typically must first be ordained as a priest through their religious denomination, which involves completing seminary education and gaining pastoral experience. After ordination, they often pursue additional training or certification in chaplaincy, such as clinical pastoral education (CPE), and may need to obtain specific credentials or licenses depending on the setting, such as hospitals or military institutions.

What qualifications do I need to be a chaplain?

To become a chaplain, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as theology, ministry, or counseling, along with ordination or certification from a recognized religious organization. Many positions also require relevant experience, strong interpersonal skills, and sometimes a master's degree in divinity or theology. Certification or licensing requirements vary by organization and setting, such as hospitals, military, or prisons.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Priest Chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Priest Chaplain, you need ordination within your faith tradition, experience in pastoral care, and strong theological knowledge. Familiarity with electronic medical records, counseling tools, and certification in clinical pastoral education (CPE) are typically required. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. These skills and qualities are vital for providing spiritual comfort, ethical guidance, and holistic care in complex settings such as hospitals, prisons, or the military.

What qualifies you to be a chaplain?

To qualify as a priest chaplain, candidates typically need a master's degree in divinity, theology, or a related field, along with ordination or commissioning by their religious organization. Additionally, they often require relevant pastoral experience, strong interpersonal skills, and sometimes certification or licensing depending on the setting or denomination.
More about Priest Chaplain jobs
What cities are hiring for Priest Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Priest Chaplain job openings:
What states have the most Priest Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Priest Chaplain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Priest Chaplain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


HCA Florida Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 478 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

670th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

***Candidate must be a Catholic Priest to be considered for this role. 

Introduction

Do you have the career opportunities as a(an) Priest Chaplain you want with your current employer? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join HCA Florida Mercy Hospital which is part of the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare.

Benefits

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Our teams are a committed, caring group of colleagues. Do you want to work as a(an) Priest Chaplain where your passion for creating positive patient interactions is valued? If you are dedicated to caring for the well-being of others, this could be your next opportunity. We want your knowledge and expertise!

Job Summary and Qualifications

The Pastoral Care Priest-chaplain will meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of the patients, family members, staff and physicians in so far as these needs arise. He will respond to the emergency codes indicated by the manager." He will practice the art of listening and observe nonverbal behaviors; having an awareness of his role as a ministry and be able to work with people of different religious beliefs, values, or backgrounds. He is to be a caring, compassionate and a professional delivering his ministry to patients, families and hospital staff. He will serve patients of all ages and illnesses at Mercy Hospital. He reports to the VP Mission.

What qualifications you will need:

  • Masters Degree, preferred 
  • 3 to 5 years experience, required
  • At least 2 years working in a Spiritual Care setting as a chaplain or minister, Roman Catholic Priest
  • Bilinigual, Spanish and English, preferred 


HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is a 488-bed facility. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and offer a wide range of medical specialties. These specialties include emergency care, heart, and vascular care. We are designated by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. Other specialties include maternity and neonatal care. We are a Level II NICU hospital. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is CARF accredited for inpatient rehabilitation. Our facility offers a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program. This program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. We are affiliated with HCA Florida Healthcare Division. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida. We serve as Miami-Dade County’s only Catholic hospital. We follow the Catholic tradition of caring for God’s people and providing spiritual support. We are dedicated to our mission of caring for the physical and spiritual needs of all the people we serve.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.


"Bricks and mortar do not make a hospital. People do."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Priest Chaplain opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


What HCA Florida Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom