Clergy
O*NET 21-2011.00 · SOC 21-2011
Clergy is a solid career choice. Median pay is $61k a year with +2.4% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 19,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Deliver sermons or homilies during weekly worship services.
- →Counsel congregation members through grief, marriage, or crisis.
- →Officiate weddings, funerals, and baptism ceremonies.
- →Visit hospitalized or homebound congregation members regularly.
- →Lead weekly Bible study or religious education groups.
Education & How to Get In
Clergy roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Clergy involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Clergy?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Clergy Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Clergy is projected to grow 2.4% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·50% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Clergy make?
The median Clergy earns $61k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Clergy jobs?
Our model puts Clergy at 20 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 50% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Clergy a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 19,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Clergy?
Clergy roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Clergy?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Clergy career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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