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.

What They Do

Clergy members lead religious communities by conducting worship services, delivering sermons, and guiding spiritual practices according to their faith tradition. They spend their time preparing and leading religious ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and weekly services, often tailoring their messages to address both timeless spiritual themes and contemporary challenges their congregations face. Much of their work involves pastoral care—visiting sick or grieving members, counseling individuals and families through difficult decisions, and providing comfort during life transitions. They may teach religious education classes, lead study groups, and organize community service projects that reflect their faith's values.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, NY
$114,729
Theological and Ministerial Studies(professional)Emory University, GA
$102,148
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Duke University, NC
$97,602
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Concordia Seminary, MO
$95,127
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, KY
$92,298
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, MO
$91,553
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, TX
$84,654
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Andrews University, MI
$82,478
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Concordia Theological Seminary, IN
$79,744
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Evangel University, MO
$78,654
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Church Divinity School of the Pacific, CA
$77,641
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Berkeley School of Theology, CA
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Brite Divinity School, TX
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, TX
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Ave Maria University, FL
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Anderson University, IN
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Baylor University, TX
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Calvin Theological Seminary, MI
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Boston College, MA
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Carolina University, NC
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Asbury Theological Seminary, KY
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Bob Jones University, SC
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Boston University, MA
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Bakke Graduate University, TX
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Christian Theological Seminary, IN
$75,508

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