How to become clergyeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$60,810
25th–75th pct. $48,260–$76,640
Top pay (est.)
$128,600
Top 10% $98,890
Pay in 5 years
$70,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$82,000est.
$70,500–$95,200
Outlook score
65/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
35%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.4%
19K openings / yr
How to become clergy
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Clergy
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Important abilities
Speech ClarityOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as clergy
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.