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Priest In Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Priest In information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$65.5K

$101K

How much do priest in jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for priest in in Chicago, IL is $65,503.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Priest, you need a deep understanding of theology, liturgical practices, and pastoral care, typically supported by a seminary degree and ordination. Familiarity with church management systems and religious texts is often required, and some denominations may require ongoing theological education or specific certifications. Compassion, strong communication, and leadership abilities are essential soft skills for building trust and guiding congregants. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing spiritual guidance, fostering community, and effectively leading religious services.

What are some common challenges priests face when balancing pastoral duties and administrative responsibilities within a parish?

Priests often find it challenging to balance their pastoral duties, such as offering spiritual guidance, leading worship services, and providing sacraments, with the administrative responsibilities required to run a parish. Managing staff, overseeing finances, organizing parish events, and handling facility maintenance can be time-consuming and may compete with time needed for ministry. Many priests rely on support from parish councils and dedicated volunteers to help manage these tasks, but effective time management and delegation are essential to ensure both aspects of the role are fulfilled successfully.

What are priests?

Priests are religious leaders who are authorized to perform sacred rituals, offer spiritual guidance, and lead worship services within their faith communities. In many Christian denominations, priests administer sacraments such as baptism, communion, and marriage. They also provide counseling, visit the sick, and serve as moral and ethical guides. The specific roles and responsibilities of a priest can vary depending on the religious tradition and denomination.

What is the difference between Priest In vs Minister?

AspectPriest InMinister
CredentialsReligious certification, ordinationReligious certification, ordination
Work EnvironmentChurch services, spiritual counselingChurch, community events, counseling
Industry UsageCommon in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican churchesUsed across various denominations including Protestant and non-denominational

Both Priest In and Minister roles involve religious duties, spiritual guidance, and community service. However, Priest In typically refers to clergy within specific denominations like Catholic or Orthodox churches, emphasizing formal ordination and sacramental duties. Ministers often serve in a broader range of Christian denominations, focusing on preaching, counseling, and community outreach. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific roles and expectations within different religious contexts.

What are popular job titles related to Priest In jobs in Chicago, IL? For Priest In jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Priest In jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Priest In jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Priest In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Priest In job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,503 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Chaplain Specialist - Priest, Full-Time, Days

Chaplain Specialist - Priest, Full-Time, Days

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

Northwestern Memorial Hospital rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 991 rated hospitals

Job description

Description

The Chaplain Specialist - Priest reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Chaplain Specialist - Priest provides spiritual care services to patients, patient family members and friends, and staff, especially in relation to his/her own faith group.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides spiritual care to patients and families through direct visitation and through consultation with staff caring for patients.
  • Conducts spiritual assessments, provides appropriate evidence-based interventions, identifies and provides spiritual care for patients who might be at risk for spiritual distress.
  • Provides supportive care to staff include one on one support as well as group debriefings, the Care Cart and educational events.
  • Serves as resource to staff regarding religious and spiritual issues and perspectives in relation to clinical issues and decisions.
  • Appropriately documents all patient encounters in the medical record.
  • Officiates at memorial services, worship services, and other functions of the hospital.
  • Serves as resource to patients and staff regarding advanced directives and ethical issues.
  • Engages in continuing professional education and development programs.
  • Follows established policies, procedures, and standard of care.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to adapt to the needs and changes of Spiritual Care and of Northwestern Medicine.
  • Engages in continuing quality management as part of Spiritual Care.
  • Participates in system and hospital-wide quality management initiatives
  • Provides data and reports to support the Spiritual Care department scorecard and assists in the analysis of data as needed.
  • Brings cases with legal, risk management, or ethical implications to the attention of a manager in an expedient manner.
  • Partners with CPE faculty in CPE curriculum development for residents and interns.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Valid ordination as a Roman Catholic priest approved by the Roman Catholic diocese of Chicago.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Master's level degree in Theology/Divinity or a related field.
  • One Unit of ACPE Certified CPE.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Valid ordination as a Roman Catholic priest approved by the Roman Catholic diocese of Chicago.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Master's level degree in Theology/Divinity or a related field.
  • One Unit of ACPE Certified CPE.
Education:Licensed/Cert Non-Patient CareEmployment Type: Full-time

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