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.
Clergy
SOC: 21-2011 O*NET: 21-2011.00
Median Salary
$60,810
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
19.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Clergy do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,860
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,260
25th percentile
Median
$60,810
50th percentile
Experienced
$76,640
75th percentile
Top Earners
$98,890
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,860
25th
$48,260
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,810
Mean: $66,860
75th
$76,640
90th
$98,890
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $61,030 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,260 and $76,640
- •Salary spread is 46.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 57,200 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:242,000
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)44.1%
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations43.8%
Religious Organizations43.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.4%
Annual Openings:19,200
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)242,000
Current
2035 (Projected)247,800
+2.4%
+5,700
Employment Change
+2.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Clergy professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
New York
7,790 jobs$58,5802.19x
California
7,110 jobs$77,7101.06x
Oregon
3,850 jobs$63,1405.33x
Florida
3,560 jobs$56,9400.97x
Texas
3,180 jobs$59,4800.61x
Illinois
2,200 jobs$61,8200.98x
Pennsylvania
2,150 jobs$58,3000.96x
Ohio
2,020 jobs$59,1600.99x
Michigan
1,880 jobs$56,4901.16x
New Jersey
1,460 jobs$65,5000.93x
North Carolina
1,430 jobs$59,6000.79x
Georgia
1,380 jobs$60,5300.77x
Virginia
1,220 jobs$55,4300.81x
Minnesota
1,160 jobs$61,2301.07x
Arizona
1,070 jobs$61,9000.90x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Philosophy and Theology
100%
#3
Speech Clarity
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
English Language
94%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#8
Administration and Management
86%
#9
Oral Comprehension
82%
#10
Service Orientation
80%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Philosophy and Theology
advanced5.0
100%
Speech Clarity
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
English Language
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Administration and Management
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Philosophy and Theology
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Instructing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Correspondence Clerks73%
5 shared skills
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage73%
5 shared skills
Advertising Sales Agents67%
5 shared skills
Animal Control Workers67%
5 shared skills
Bill and Account Collectors67%
5 shared skills
Demonstrators and Product Promoters67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Philosophy and Theology
Learn on the Job:
- →Persuasion
- →Time Management
- →Therapy and Counseling
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Philosophy and Theology
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Philosophy and Theology
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Clergy
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Facebook
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (13)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Training & Development (3)Communication & Coordination (1)Management & Supervision (1)Planning & Development (1)
1
Pray and promote spirituality.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Organize and lead regular religious services.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development85% perform90%
7
Counsel individuals or groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, or personal needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Visit people in homes, hospitals, or prisons to provide them with comfort and support.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Train leaders of church, community, or youth groups.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
Administer religious rites or ordinances.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Clergy
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Clergy professionals typically have a SEA Holland code and highly value achievement
SSocial
EEnterprising
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Clergy
Leadership
CriticalLeadership
Importance Level4.96
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.94
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.90
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.90
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.71
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.66
Complete Work Styles Profile
Leadership
5.0
Concern for Others
4.9
Integrity
4.9
Initiative
4.9
Dependability
4.7
Cooperation
4.7
Self-Control
4.6
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.5
Persistence
4.4
Social Orientation
4.4
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Clergy.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Clergy
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
924 program completions/year
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
803 program completions/year
College of the Sequoias
Visalia, CA
631 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
622 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
587 program completions/year
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
508 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
499 program completions/year
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM
449 program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
439 program completions/year
Merced College
Merced, CA
432 program completions/year
El Camino Community College District
Torrance, CA
424 program completions/year