Clergy: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Clergy fall under the Community and Social Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. Clergy earn a median salary of $60,820 per year, ranking in the top 47% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.0% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do clergy earn?

The median annual wage for clergy is $60,820. That puts clergy at #378 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is clergy a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for clergy is +1.0%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 262K positions in 2024 to 264K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do clergy do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working clergy, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
2. 2.Organize and lead regular religious services.
3. 3.Counsel individuals or groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, or personal needs.
4. 4.Respond to requests for assistance during emergencies or crises.
5. 5.Conduct special ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, or confirmations.
6. 6.Collaborate with committees or individuals to address financial or administrative issues pertaining to congregations.
7. 7.Refer people to community support services, psychologists, or doctors.
8. 8.Organize or engage in interfaith, community, civic, educational, or recreational activities sponsored by or related to religious programs.

Top skills for clergy

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become clergy?

The standard path into clergy begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Social Workers, All Other
  $69,480 median
• Healthcare Social Workers
  $68,090 median
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
  $65,140 median
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
  $64,520 median
• Marriage and Family Therapists
  $63,780 median
• Health Education Specialists
  $63,000 median

Common questions parents ask about clergy