How to become a 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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What clergy do

• Pray and promote spirituality.
• Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
• Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
• Administer religious rites or ordinances.
• Prepare people for participation in religious ceremonies.
• Plan or lead religious education programs.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Monitoring

Is clergy a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 19% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Washington $80,830
• California $77,710
• Nevada $73,910
• Massachusetts $72,190
• New Jersey $65,500

Clergy salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.