Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Directors of religious activities and education design and oversee programs that promote religious learning and community engagement for a specific denomination. They work in churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other religious organizations, often coordinating educational curricula, volunteer efforts, and outreach initiatives. Some also provide counseling on personal matters including marriage, health, and finances.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against directors, religious activities and education and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning educational classes or youth programs, meeting with volunteers and staff to organize events, and reviewing curriculum materials. Directors might spend time counseling congregation members on personal concerns, attending community outreach activities, coordinating with denominational leadership, or preparing budgets and reports. Evening and weekend work is common, particularly during religious services or special events.
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 do well in this role if you enjoy building community programs and motivating others to participate—both social and enterprising interests. Success requires strong organizational skills, the ability to lead diverse groups, and genuine commitment to your faith tradition's values and teaching.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $65,780 | $79,310 | $114,490 | 90 |
| Texas | $50,220 | $75,420 | $101,760 | 330 |
| Georgia | $59,680 | $72,910 | $96,770 | 320 |
| Nebraska | $62,610 | $72,500 | $76,160 | 40 |
| Colorado | $54,520 | $67,760 | $87,050 | 100 |
| Iowa | $47,150 | $66,140 | $89,140 | 220 |
| New Jersey | $43,680 | $65,730 | $91,770 | — |
| North Carolina | $47,740 | $63,280 | $90,990 | 260 |
| Massachusetts | $61,380 | $62,930 | $75,830 | 160 |
| Nevada | $62,300 | $62,460 | $62,460 | 90 |
| Tennessee | $47,760 | $61,940 | $84,770 | 130 |
| District of Columbia | $51,210 | $61,870 | $95,450 | 170 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) — The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.
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 directors, religious activities and education and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.