Clergy
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.
Also known as: Administrator Pastor, Bishop, Brother, Campus Minister, Campus Pastor, Cantor, Catechist, Catholic Priest, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)
What You'd Do
- Pray and promote spirituality.
- Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
- Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
- Organize and lead regular religious services.
- Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
- Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith.
- Counsel individuals or groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, or personal needs.
- Visit people in homes, hospitals, or prisons to provide them with comfort and support.
- Train leaders of church, community, or youth groups.
- Administer religious rites or ordinances.
- Study and interpret religious laws, doctrines, or traditions.
- Conduct special ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, or confirmations.
- Respond to requests for assistance during emergencies or crises.
- Devise ways in which congregational membership can be expanded.
- Collaborate with committees or individuals to address financial or administrative issues pertaining to congregations.
- Prepare people for participation in religious ceremonies.
- Perform administrative duties, such as overseeing building management, ordering supplies, contracting for services or repairs, or supervising the work of staff members or volunteers.
- Refer people to community support services, psychologists, or doctors.
- Participate in fundraising activities to support congregational activities or facilities.
- Plan or lead religious education programs.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
Related Careers
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.