How much does a Chaplain make in the United States?
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The average Chaplain salary in the United States is $98,273 as of July 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Chaplain positions (listed below) typically falls between $63,129 and $133,417. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Chaplain's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Chaplain - Healthcare | $70,694 | $33.99 | United States | July 01, 2026 |
| Chaplain - Home Care | $68,174 | $32.78 | United States | July 01, 2026 |
| Pastoral Care Director | $116,720 | $56.12 | United States | July 01, 2026 |
| Pastoral Care Manager | $99,578 | $47.87 | United States | July 01, 2026 |
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Provides spiritual guidance and support during illness, injury and/or an emergency. Supports patients and families facing difficult medical choices. Provides emotional support, spiritual counsel and comfort. Plans and coordinates interfaith worship experiences for staff, patients, and families. Typically requires a master's degree in divinity. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Chaplain - Healthcare SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hospital Chaplain/Pastor, Hospital Spiritual/Religious Advisor, Chaplain - Healthcare
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Provides spiritual guidance and support during illness or injury in a home setting. Supports patients and families facing difficult medical choices. Provides emotional support, spiritual counsel and comfort. Plans and coordinates interfaith worship experiences for staff, patients, and families. Typically requires a master's degree in divinity. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Chaplain - Home Care SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Home Care Pastoral Counselor, Home Care Spiritual Support Counselor, Chaplain - Home Care
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Develops programs and oversees services designed to meet the religious and spiritual needs of patients, their families, and healthcare staff. Ensures that pastoral services are staffed so that chaplains are available to support patients and families facing difficult medical choices. Establishes policies and procedures to facilitate optimal service delivery and ensure that emotional support, spiritual counsel, and comfort are provided. Evaluates and reviews records of counseling sessions and visitation logs to ensure compliance with professional and ethical standards. Plans and coordinates with other clergy to conduct interfaith worship experiences. May perform the duties of a chaplain. Requires a master's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Pastoral Care Director SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Director of Chaplaincy, Hospital/Clinic Director of Chaplains, Religious Support Director, Spiritual Support Services Director, Pastoral Care Director
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Manages the daily operations of a pastoral care department. Administers programs and services designed to meet the religious and spiritual needs of patients, their families, and healthcare staff. Coordinates staffing to ensure that chaplains are available to support patients and families facing difficult medical choices. Implements policies and procedures to facilitate optimal service delivery and ensure that emotional support, spiritual counsel, and comfort are provided. Documents counseling sessions and maintains visitation logs to monitor services administered and provide insight into process improvements. Collaborates with healthcare professionals to understand the needs and objectives of pastoral care services. May perform the duties of a chaplain. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes. View Pastoral Care Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Hospital/Clinic Manager of Chaplains, Manager of Chaplaincy, Religious Support Manager, Spiritual Support Services Manager, Pastoral Care Manager