All About Clergy
Occupation Description Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.
List of Clergy Job Duties
- Respond to requests for assistance during emergencies or crises.
- Organize and lead regular religious services.
- Perform administrative duties, such as overseeing building management, ordering supplies, contracting for services or repairs, or supervising the work of staff members or volunteers.
- Plan or lead religious education programs.
- Administer religious rites or ordinances.
- Pray and promote spirituality.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Clergy
These are the skills Clergy say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Deaconess
- Marriage Performer
- Catholic Priest
- Children’s Pastor
- Mohel
Job Outlook for Clergy
There were about 243,900 jobs for Clergy in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19,900 new jobs for Clergy by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 29,200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Clergy are Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Wyoming, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Clergy
The salary for Clergy ranges between about $26,160 and $85,040 a year.

Clergy who work in California, Washington, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Clergy make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,140 |
Alaska | $52,810 |
Arizona | $53,290 |
Arkansas | $44,660 |
California | $67,140 |
Colorado | $55,690 |
Connecticut | $59,250 |
Delaware | $56,150 |
District of Columbia | $61,500 |
Florida | $51,570 |
Georgia | $56,270 |
Hawaii | $47,360 |
Idaho | $45,230 |
Illinois | $51,190 |
Indiana | $48,130 |
Iowa | $49,540 |
Kansas | $45,390 |
Kentucky | $48,910 |
Louisiana | $52,950 |
Maine | $54,300 |
Maryland | $52,020 |
Massachusetts | $60,600 |
Michigan | $41,040 |
Minnesota | $47,580 |
Mississippi | $46,470 |
Missouri | $49,900 |
Montana | $49,620 |
Nebraska | $45,050 |
Nevada | $52,370 |
New Hampshire | $57,390 |
New Jersey | $59,180 |
New Mexico | $52,350 |
New York | $57,550 |
North Carolina | $48,540 |
North Dakota | $48,020 |
Ohio | $46,570 |
Oklahoma | $48,140 |
Oregon | $52,040 |
Pennsylvania | $49,920 |
Rhode Island | $54,300 |
South Carolina | $56,050 |
South Dakota | $48,420 |
Tennessee | $49,080 |
Texas | $54,370 |
Vermont | $46,940 |
Virginia | $43,640 |
Washington | $62,240 |
West Virginia | $40,910 |
Wisconsin | $49,690 |
Wyoming | $57,740 |
What Tools & Technology do Clergy Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Clergy:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Event scheduling software
How do I Become a Clergy?
Are there Clergy education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Clergy Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Jonund via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |