How long does the training take?

Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do religious workers, all other make?

The US median is $45,280 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train for this work?

250 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

🎓 My University View

Home › Careers › Religious workers, all other

Religious workers, all other: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Community & social service · SOC 21-2099

$45,280US median pay, 2025

+1.5%Projected growth, 2025–35

12,100Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Work in: religious workers, all other

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other	CIP 39.0699	110
Pastoral Studies/Counseling	CIP 39.0701	106
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other	CIP 39.0799	55
Lay Ministry	CIP 39.0705	53
Urban Ministry	CIP 39.0703	10
Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies	CIP 39.0706	8
Women's Ministry	CIP 39.0704	6
Church Planting	CIP 39.0302	3
Contemplative Studies/Inquiry	CIP 30.2502	2
Thanatology	CIP 30.5301	1
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other	CIP 39.0399	1
Religious Music and Worship, Other	CIP 39.0599	1
Religious/Canon Law	CIP 39.0802	0

See the 250 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do religious workers, all other make?: The US median is $45,280 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train for this work?: 250 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

Related careers in Community & social service

Social and human service assistants · Child, family, and school social workers · Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors · Clergy · Healthcare social workers · Directors, religious activities and education · Mental health and substance abuse social workers · Community and social service specialists, all other