Clergy
Clergy lead religious worship services and provide spiritual guidance to members of their faith communities. They conduct ceremonies, deliver sermons, offer counseling, and perform rituals according to their religious tradition. Clergy work in churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other houses of worship, as well as in hospitals, prisons, and military settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clergy and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing and leading worship services, which may include writing sermons, selecting music, and coordinating with other staff. Clergy meet individually with members for counseling, marriage preparation, or crisis support. They may visit hospitalized or homebound members, attend committee meetings, oversee religious education programs, and handle administrative duties. Weekend services often require significant time commitment.
Who this work suits
Holland code SEA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working directly with people and addressing their spiritual and moral concerns. You're drawn to leadership roles within a community and are motivated by guiding others through faith. This work appeals to those who combine genuine interpersonal connection with the ability to organize and direct community activities and beliefs.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $68,890 | $80,830 | $91,410 | 1,060 |
| California | $61,310 | $77,710 | $97,640 | 7,110 |
| Nevada | $60,510 | $73,910 | $79,180 | 210 |
| Massachusetts | $61,250 | $72,190 | $78,530 | 840 |
| New Jersey | $49,570 | $65,500 | $75,270 | 1,460 |
| New Hampshire | $60,590 | $65,200 | $75,910 | 100 |
| Vermont | $61,430 | $64,950 | $77,490 | 50 |
| District of Columbia | $52,690 | $64,800 | $93,880 | 310 |
| Maine | $57,230 | $64,340 | $74,010 | 160 |
| New Mexico | $59,490 | $64,100 | $76,000 | 270 |
| Colorado | $58,860 | $63,700 | $73,300 | 440 |
| Connecticut | $54,850 | $63,470 | $78,000 | 900 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Sexuality Educator (CSE) — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) — The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.
- Certified Sex Therapist (CST) — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Certified Sexuality Counselor (CSC) — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clergy and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.