1

Spiritual Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Chaplain

Rochester, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school and youth groups * Visit and provide spiritual guidance and care to hospitalized personnel and ...

Chaplain

Geneseo, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Counsel individuals who seek guidance * Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school and youth groups * Visit and provide spiritual guidance and care to hospitalized personnel and ...

Showing results 21-27

Spiritual Counselor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$28.6K

$62.7K

$96.7K

How much do spiritual counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for spiritual counselor in Rochester, NY is $62,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $78,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spiritual counselor?

Spiritual Counselors are professionals who provide guidance, support, and counseling to individuals seeking clarity or healing in their spiritual lives. They help clients explore their beliefs, values, and sense of purpose, often addressing issues related to faith, life transitions, grief, or personal growth. Spiritual Counselors may work within religious organizations or independently and may use a variety of approaches tailored to different spiritual or religious backgrounds. Their goal is to help individuals find peace, meaning, and connection in their lives.

What does a spiritual counselor do?

As a spiritual counselor, you support the mental health of your clients while providing guidance and support grounded in the beliefs of a shared faith. In this role, you may service the spiritual needs of the family and friends of the recently deceased, provide guidance to those in hospice care, or provide more traditional counseling in areas like family therapy, school counseling, or addiction recovery. Spiritual counselors work in many places, including churches, hospitals, and schools, and often focus on members of a specific faith. Spiritual counselors sometimes work unusual hours—for example, many Christian spiritual counselors provide guidance and support to members of their church on Sunday, rather than only working a regular Monday-Friday schedule.

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

To thrive as a Spiritual Counselor, you need a strong background in counseling, spiritual or religious studies, and often a relevant degree or certification in pastoral counseling or a related field. Familiarity with counseling frameworks, assessment tools, and record-keeping systems is commonly required. Exceptional listening, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills help build trust and effectively support clients' spiritual journeys. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing compassionate, ethical, and effective guidance to individuals seeking spiritual or emotional support.

How does a spiritual counselor typically collaborate with other mental health professionals in a clinical setting?

Spiritual Counselors often work alongside psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals to provide holistic care to clients. While their primary focus is on addressing spiritual and existential concerns, they regularly participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans and ensure coordinated support. Clear communication and respect for professional boundaries are key, as Spiritual Counselors may refer clients to other specialists when issues fall outside their scope. This collaborative approach helps create a more comprehensive support system for clients in clinical environments.

What is the difference between Spiritual Counselor vs Pastoral Counselor?

AspectSpiritual CounselorPastoral Counselor
CredentialsOften requires certification in spiritual or holistic counseling; may have religious or spiritual trainingTypically requires religious ordination or pastoral training; may hold counseling certifications
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, wellness centers, holistic clinicsReligious institutions, churches, faith-based organizations
Industry UsageUsed in holistic, wellness, and spiritual support contextsCommon in religious and faith-based settings

Both roles focus on providing spiritual support, but Spiritual Counselors often work in holistic or secular settings, while Pastoral Counselors are usually affiliated with religious organizations. The choice depends on the client's spiritual background and the setting preferred.

Can you be a spiritual counselor without a degree?

Becoming a spiritual counselor does not typically require a formal degree, but many practitioners pursue certifications or training in counseling, psychology, or spiritual disciplines to enhance credibility and skills. Licensing requirements vary by location and practice setting, so it is important to check local regulations and consider gaining relevant experience or credentials to establish trust with clients.

What do you need to be a spiritual counselor?

To become a spiritual counselor, individuals typically need relevant training or certification in counseling, psychology, or spiritual guidance, along with strong interpersonal and active listening skills. Many roles also require a genuine understanding of different spiritual or religious beliefs and ethical standards for providing support. Certification requirements vary by region and employer, but a background in counseling or theology is often beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Spiritual Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Spiritual Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spiritual Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Spiritual Counselor jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Spiritual Counselor jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Spiritual Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Spiritual Counselor job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,739 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

As a Navy Chaplain, you will be the voice of encouragement, reason and hope to thousands of Sailors and Marines, supporting and uplifting the brave men and women who have chosen to serve their country. The Navy Chaplain Corps boasts more than 800 Navy Chaplains from more than 100 different faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and many others.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Navy Chaplain, your job spans a broad range of duties. You will support fellow servicemembers during their most joyful and most difficult moments. Your responsibilities might be to:

  • Conduct worship services in a variety of settings
  • Perform religious rites and ceremonies such as weddings, funeral services and baptisms
  • Counsel individuals who seek guidance
  • Oversee religious education programs, such as Sunday school and youth groups
  • Visit and provide spiritual guidance and care to hospitalized personnel and their family members
  • Train lay leaders who conduct religious education programs
  • Promote attendance at religious services, retreats and conferences
  • Advise leaders at all levels regarding morale, ethics and spiritual well-being

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re in the process of starting or completing your graduate theological degree, you could potentially enter the Navy Chaplain Candidate Program (CCPO) as a student.

Opportunities for continuing education are available through the Advanced Education Program while being paid full-time as a Navy Officer. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Navy Chaplains can advance their education by:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Navy Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges Find out more about additional education opportunities for Officers, including post-graduate school.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • Graduate degree in theological or related studies from an accredited educational institution • Have two years of full-time religious leadership experience
  • Must be able to obtain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement from a religious faith organization registered with the Department of Defense

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Navy Chaplains immerse themselves in the daily lives of service members. In what can be best described as a ministry of presence, they are there to offer guidance and insight in the moment, whenever they’re needed. You could provide support while on land or at sea, when presiding over religious ceremonies on a base or when conducting services from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

There are part-time opportunities as a Navy Chaplain. Serving part-time as a Reserve Chaplain gives you the flexibility to minister in the Navy while maintaining responsibilities to your congregation at home.


What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Social media