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Va Chaplain Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Va Chaplain Salary information

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$29K

$63.6K

$98K

How much do va chaplain salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for va chaplain salary 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 average salary of a VA Chaplain?

The average salary for a VA Chaplain typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level chaplains may start at a lower range, while those with more years of service or advanced credentials can earn higher salaries. VA Chaplains are federal employees, so their pay is based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with most chaplains falling between GS-9 and GS-12 levels. Additional benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

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

To thrive as a VA Chaplain, you generally need a master's degree in divinity or a related field, endorsement from a recognized faith group, and experience in pastoral care. Familiarity with electronic medical records and systems like VistA, as well as completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), are typically required. Compassion, strong interpersonal skills, and cultural sensitivity help chaplains provide meaningful spiritual support to veterans from diverse backgrounds. These skills ensure that chaplains can effectively address the spiritual and emotional needs of patients within the VA healthcare system.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Chaplains in their daily work with veterans?

VA Chaplains often encounter unique challenges such as supporting veterans coping with trauma, PTSD, or end-of-life issues. They must be sensitive to diverse faith traditions and backgrounds while providing spiritual care in a clinical, multidisciplinary setting. Balancing administrative duties, on-call responsibilities, and providing individualized support can also be demanding. Collaboration with medical staff and maintaining professional boundaries are crucial aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Va Chaplain Salary vs Hospital Chaplain Salary?

AspectVa Chaplain SalaryHospital Chaplain Salary
Average Annual Salary$50,000 - $70,000$45,000 - $65,000
Required CredentialsMaster's in Theology or Divinity, CertificationMaster's in Theology or Divinity, Certification
Work EnvironmentVeterans Affairs facilities, hospitals, clinicsHospitals, healthcare facilities, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, Veterans AffairsPrivate and public healthcare providers

Both Va Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains typically require similar credentials, including a master's degree in theology or divinity and certification. The main difference lies in their work environment and employer: Va Chaplains serve primarily within Veterans Affairs facilities, while Hospital Chaplains work in various healthcare settings. Salary ranges are comparable, with slight variations based on location and experience.

Does the VA hire chaplains?

Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hires chaplains to provide spiritual support and counseling to veterans and their families. VA chaplains typically need a master's degree in divinity or theology, ordination, and certification, and they work in VA medical centers and facilities across the country.

How much does a Va chaplain make?

A VA chaplain's salary in Virginia typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location within the state. The role often requires spiritual counseling skills and certification in chaplaincy or related fields.

Is there a high demand for Va chaplains?

The demand for VA chaplains is steady due to ongoing needs for spiritual support and counseling services for veterans. Employment opportunities are influenced by the number of veterans' healthcare facilities and the availability of qualified chaplains with relevant certifications. Overall, the role is considered stable within the veteran healthcare system.
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What cities are hiring for Va Chaplain Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Va Chaplain Salary job openings:

What states have the most Va Chaplain Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Va Chaplain Salary jobs include:

Infographic showing various Va Chaplain Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Hospice Chaplain - Danville, VA - Full Time

UnitedHealth Group

Danville, VA • On-site

$48K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 894 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Explore opportunities with Commonwealth Hospice, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide. As members of the Optum family of businesses, we are dedicated to helping people feel their best, including our team members who create meaningful connections with patients, their families, each other and the communities we serve. Find a home for your career here. Join us and embrace a culture of Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As the Chaplain/Spiritual Caregiver, you will provide spiritual care to Hospice patients and their families.

  • Full-time position providing in-home hospice visits.
  • Must have Bachelor's degree in religion or related discipline, or 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education.
  • Must have documentation of current endorsement and good standing by a Faith Group recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board.
  • Schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Additional evening/weekend hours as needed. 
  • Agency coverage includes a 50-mile radius. Candidates must be willing and able to travel throughout the service area to see patients.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in providing spiritual care to persons of all races, ages, genders, sexual orientation, social class, and mental/emotional status
  • Demonstrate ability for patient/caregiver to lead the spiritual conversation, for the Chaplain to walk alongside him/her in his/her spiritual journey and refraining from sharing one's own beliefs unless asked to do so by the patient/caregivers
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of spiritual resources to support each person's belief system, provide resources as appropriate, and network with other religious leaders in the community to refer patients/caregivers to these leaders when necessary
  • Demonstrate ability to work efficiently and effectively within the Interdisciplinary Team and provide insight in the IDG meeting concerning the patient/caregiver's emotional and spiritual needs
  • Provide spiritual and emotional care to members of the Hospice Staff when requested

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications:

  • 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education or Bachelor's degree in theology, divinity, pastoral care, philosophy, religion or related discipline
  • 2 years of experience in a health care setting and/or related pastoral experience
  • Documentation of current endorsement or acceptable language (licensing, ordination, etc.) in accordance with the applicant's spiritual/faith tradition. Faith groups must be recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains Board
  • Documentation that demonstrates that the candidate is in good standing with their spiritual/faith group with no ethical charges current or pending
  • Current driver's license and vehicle insurance, access to a dependable vehicle, or public transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education or Master's degree in theology, divinity, pastoral care, philosophy, religion or related discipline 
  • Current CPR certification o ability to complete within 90 days of hire
  • 2 years of Hospice experience
  • Exceptional verbal communication skills
  • Ability to plan, organize, and exercise independent judgement
  • Ability to minister to patients and families in crisis
  • Demonstrated ability to be open, sensitive, flexible and ecumenical

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $48,240 to $72,360 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. 

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. 

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. 


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