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Spiritual Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Spiritual Care Chaplain will provide services in the area of Spiritual Care with a focus on life transitions, ritual, end of life, bereavement, and crisis intervention in a manner which promotes ...

The Chaplain must be clinically trained to notice and to address himself/herself to the various spiritual dynamics, feelings and emotions that a patient makes known in verbal and non-verbal ...

Chaplain - Spiritual Care

Springfield, OR · On-site

$31.60 - $47.40/hr

PeaceHealth is seeking a Chaplain - Spiritual Care for a Full Time, 1.00 FTE, Day position. The salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $31.60 - $47.40. The hiring rate is dependent upon ...

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Spiritual Chaplain information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do spiritual chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for spiritual 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 a spiritual chaplain?

Spiritual chaplains are professionals who provide emotional, spiritual, and pastoral support to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, hospices, prisons, or the military. They help people of all faiths—or none—cope with difficult situations, offering guidance, counseling, and comfort. Spiritual chaplains often collaborate with other healthcare or organizational staff to ensure holistic care that addresses not just physical but also emotional and spiritual needs.

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

To thrive as a Spiritual Chaplain, you need a solid background in theology, counseling, and spiritual care, often supported by a degree in divinity or pastoral studies and relevant certification. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and hospital or institutional protocols is typically required. Compassion, strong listening skills, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for providing meaningful support to individuals of diverse backgrounds. These skills and qualities ensure that chaplains can offer effective spiritual and emotional care, fostering comfort and well-being in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges spiritual chaplains face when supporting individuals from diverse religious or cultural backgrounds?

Spiritual Chaplains often work with individuals from a wide variety of faith traditions and cultural backgrounds, which can present unique challenges. Navigating differing beliefs and practices requires sensitivity, strong listening skills, and a nonjudgmental approach to ensure each person's spiritual needs are respected. Chaplains must also continually educate themselves about various faiths and maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate support. Effective communication and cultural competence are crucial for building trust and fostering a supportive environment in healthcare, military, correctional, or community settings.

What is the difference between Spiritual Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectSpiritual ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsTypically requires spiritual or religious certification, pastoral training, and sometimes clinical pastoral education (CPE)Same as Spiritual Chaplain, often with additional healthcare-specific training
Work EnvironmentReligious institutions, community centers, or private settingsHospitals, healthcare facilities, or medical centers
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, non-profits, or community groupsHospitals, healthcare systems, or medical institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Spiritual Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains provide spiritual support, but Hospital Chaplains specifically work within healthcare settings to assist patients, families, and staff. They often share similar credentials and training, but their work environments and employer types differ, with Hospital Chaplains focusing on medical facilities.

Can I be a spiritual chaplain without being ordained?

Spiritual chaplains are not always required to be ordained, but many employers prefer or require ordination or equivalent spiritual credentials. Non-ordained individuals can often serve as chaplains if they have relevant training, certification, and experience in spiritual care or counseling. Requirements vary by organization and setting, such as hospitals, military, or correctional facilities.

How to become a spiritual chaplain?

To become a spiritual chaplain, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field and often pursue a master's degree in divinity, theology, or pastoral care. Certification from a recognized chaplaincy organization and clinical pastoral education (CPE) are also important for credentialing and practical experience in healthcare, military, or institutional settings.

Is there a high demand for spiritual chaplains?

The demand for spiritual chaplains is growing in healthcare, military, and correctional settings due to increased recognition of holistic patient care and spiritual support. Employment opportunities are expected to expand as institutions seek qualified chaplains with relevant certifications and training to meet diverse spiritual needs.

What cities are hiring for Spiritual Chaplain jobs?

Cities with the most Spiritual Chaplain job openings:

What states have the most Spiritual Chaplain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spiritual Chaplain jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Spiritual Chaplain jobs?

For Spiritual Chaplain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Spiritual Chaplain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Hospice Spiritual Counselor/Chaplain

San Diego, CA • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join a Team with a True Hospice Heart


Aligned Hospice is seeking a compassionate, experienced Hospice Chaplain to join our interdisciplinary team. At Aligned Hospice, we believe exceptional hospice care addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families facing the end of life. We are looking for a chaplain who brings warmth, presence, humility, and a genuine hospice heart to every interaction.


At Aligned Hospice, spiritual care is patient-centered, not chaplain-centered. We serve people from all faith traditions, as well as those who identify as spiritual, agnostic, atheist, or non-religious. Our chaplains do not impose personal beliefs or religious practices. Instead, they seek to understand and support what gives each patient meaning, comfort, connection, and peace.


This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about accompanying patients and families through some of life's most sacred and challenging moments while honoring each person's unique beliefs, values, culture, and preferences.


Position Summary

The Hospice Chaplain is a member of the interdisciplinary hospice team and provides spiritual care, emotional support, and compassionate presence to patients and families throughout the end-of-life journey. The chaplain collaborates closely with nurses, social workers, hospice aides, physicians, volunteers, and community clergy to ensure patients receive holistic, person-centered care.


Essential Responsibilities

  • Conduct spiritual assessments and identify patient and family spiritual needs.
  • Provide compassionate spiritual care, counseling, support, prayer, rituals, or reflective presence consistent with each patient's beliefs and wishes.
  • Support patients and families of all faith traditions, spiritual backgrounds, and worldviews, including those who do not identify with a faith community.
  • Honor and reflect each patient's individual beliefs, values, culture, and preferences without promoting personal religious views or practices.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and patient care conferences.
  • Collaborate with nurses, social workers, physicians, hospice aides, and volunteers to develop and implement individualized plans of care.
  • Provide consultation and education to the interdisciplinary team regarding spiritual concerns and needs.
  • Support families and caregivers before and after the death of a loved one.
  • Serve as a liaison and resource to community clergy, faith leaders, and spiritual counselors.
  • Assist in the recruitment, training, and support of spiritual care volunteers as assigned.
  • Facilitate memorial services, celebrations of life, or funeral services when requested.
  • Help plan agency memorial events and remembrance services.
  • Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with hospice regulations and agency standards.
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and ongoing professional development activities.


Qualifications

  • Graduate of an accredited seminary or school of theology (MDiv, BD, or equivalent theological degree).
  • Hospice experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience providing spiritual care, chaplaincy, pastoral care, palliative care, or end-of-life support.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy and person-centered care.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide inclusive, nonjudgmental spiritual care to individuals of diverse faith traditions, cultures, identities, and belief systems.
  • Commitment to meeting patients where they are spiritually rather than where the chaplain believes they should be.
  • Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
  • Emotional maturity and comfort discussing grief, loss, death, meaning, and legacy.
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with community clergy and faith organizations.
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance as required by state regulations.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Job Type: Per Diem


Benefits

  • Flexible schedule
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Paid orientation
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Supportive interdisciplinary team environment
  • PPE provided

Schedule

Flexible. Visits may occur during business hours, evenings, or weekends. We will work with your availability whenever possible.


Why Aligned Hospice?

At Aligned Hospice, we know that hospice is more than a job-it is a calling. We are looking for professionals who are committed to providing exceptional end-of-life care and helping patients and families feel supported, respected, and never alone.


If you believe compassionate presence can be just as powerful as words, we'd love to meet you.

Aligned Hospice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.