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Professional Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$27.23/hr

Attends four (4) hours / monthly professional chaplain training. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS: * Written endorsement of the board of elders/session/council of a local congregation where applicant is ...

We are seeking a caring and professional Chaplain to join our interdisciplinary team and offer meaningful spiritual and emotional support during life's most vulnerable moments. The Chaplain provides ...

Chaplain

Hermiston, OR · On-site

$27.23/hr

Attends four (4) hours / monthly professional chaplain training. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS: * Written endorsement of the board of elders/session/council of a local congregation where applicant is ...

Chaplain

Oakland, CA

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Board certified Chaplain through appropriate professional organization, or certification-eligible. Education: Completion of theological studies for ordination from an accredited theological school ...

Chaplain

Oakland, CA · On-site

$40.30 - $49.18/hr

Board certified Chaplain through appropriate professional organization, or certification-eligible. Education: Completion of theological studies for ordination from an accredited theological school ...

... professional chaplain competencies. The Chaplain Resident supports whole-person healing for those confronting serious illness, making difficult treatment decisions, feeling isolated or alone, or ...

Position Title: Chaplain - PRN Department: Spiritual Care As a member of the interdisciplinary ... Participate in professional growth activities. * Uphold standards of care, accreditation, and ...

Position Title: Chaplain - PRN Department: Spiritual Care As a member of the interdisciplinary ... Participate in professional growth activities. * Uphold standards of care, accreditation, and ...

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Professional Chaplain information

See salary details

$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do professional chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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 is the difference between Professional Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectProfessional ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsTypically requires certification from a recognized chaplaincy organization, such as CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education)Often requires similar certification, especially for hospital settings
Work EnvironmentVarious settings including hospitals, military, prisons, and corporate environmentsPrimarily in hospitals and healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, healthcare institutions, military, or corporate sectorsHospitals, clinics, healthcare systems
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles across different settings, certification requirements, and job dutiesFocusing on hospital-specific chaplaincy roles and qualifications

Both Professional Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains often share similar certifications and work environments, but Professional Chaplain is a broader term encompassing various settings, while Hospital Chaplain specifically refers to healthcare environments. The choice depends on the desired work setting and specialization.

What does a professional chaplain do?

A professional chaplain provides spiritual support, counseling, and emotional care to individuals in settings such as hospitals, military, or correctional facilities. They offer comfort during crises, facilitate religious practices, and often hold relevant certifications or training in spiritual care. Their role involves active listening, empathy, and respecting diverse beliefs to support well-being.

What is a professional chaplain?

Professional chaplains are trained spiritual care providers who offer emotional, spiritual, and sometimes religious support to individuals in various settings such as hospitals, military, prisons, schools, or workplaces. They are skilled at listening, providing comfort, and helping people cope with crises, grief, or life transitions regardless of their faith background or beliefs. Professional chaplains often work as part of interdisciplinary teams and are educated in counseling, ethics, and interfaith understanding.

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

To thrive as a Professional Chaplain, you need a background in theology or religious studies, clinical pastoral education (CPE), and often ordination or endorsement from a recognized faith group. Familiarity with electronic health records and spiritual assessment tools is commonly required in healthcare settings. Compassion, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal communication set outstanding chaplains apart. These skills are vital for providing effective spiritual and emotional support to individuals from diverse backgrounds during times of crisis or transition.

How does a professional chaplain typically collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams?

Professional chaplains work closely with doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care for patients. They participate in team meetings, contribute insights on patients' spiritual and emotional needs, and help develop care plans that respect diverse beliefs. This collaborative approach ensures that spiritual care is integrated with medical and psychosocial support, leading to more comprehensive patient-centered care.

Is there a high demand for professional chaplains?

The demand for professional chaplains is steady and often depends on healthcare, military, and institutional settings such as hospitals, prisons, and the military. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as these organizations seek to provide spiritual support and holistic care, with certifications and specialized training enhancing job prospects.
What cities are hiring for Professional Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Professional Chaplain job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chaplain jobs? The most popular types of Chaplain jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Chaplain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Professional Chaplain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Staff Chaplain - Pastoral Care (Full Time) - 8316

Mountain Health Network

Huntington, WV

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

St. Mary's Medical Center is seeking a full timeStaff Chaplain who, under the direction of the Manager of the Pastoral Care Department and in accordance with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, the Professional Chaplain participates in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by providing compassionate spiritual care to patients, families, and associates. Through the ministry of presence, spiritual assessment, attentive listening, prayer, sacramental support, and compassionate accompaniment, the Chaplain helps individuals find hope, meaning, peace, and spiritual strength during illness, suffering, and loss.

As a professionally trained spiritual care provider, the Chaplain fosters a respectful, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment that honors the dignity of every person. Serving individuals of all faith traditions and those with no religious affiliation, the Chaplain reflects the Catholic mission by witnessing God's healing love and supporting holistic care for body, mind, and spirit.

The Professional Chaplain also contributes to the organization's Catholic identity through interdisciplinary collaboration, education, ethics, and mission integration. By modeling the organization's CHRIST values, the Chaplain helps foster a culture of compassion, respect, and healing that aligns with the mission of Catholic healthcare.

Education

  • Master's degree in Theology, Divinity, Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality, or a related field.
  • Four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (preferred).
  • Ecclesiastical endorsement.
  • Board Certified Chaplain or certification eligible (encouraged).

Experience

  • Minimum one (1) year of clinical pastoral education or equivalent supervised clinical ministry experience