Clergy in Tennessee
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 In Tennessee the median pay is $57,260 a year, 6% below the national median of $60,810.
$57,260median pay in Tennessee, per year
$48,930–$63,980middle half earn
710employed in Tennessee
$60,810U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clergy and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clergy and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
SpeakingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessInstructingService OrientationReading ComprehensionWritingPersuasion
Knowledge areas
Philosophy and TheologyEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Clergy.
Licenses and training in Tennessee
Clergy pay in other states
Washington · $80,830California · $77,710Nevada · $73,910Massachusetts · $72,190New Jersey · $65,500New Hampshire · $65,200Vermont · $64,950District of Columbia · $64,800Maine · $64,340New Mexico · $64,100
Related occupations
Directors, Religious Activities and EducationReligious Workers, All OtherSubstance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder CounselorsEducational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and AdvisorsMarriage and Family TherapistsMental Health CounselorsRehabilitation CounselorsCounselors, All Other
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clergy and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clergy and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-2011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Tennessee, annual.