Military Chaplains
Military Career
General Information
Description
Military chaplains administer broad religious programs designed to meet the needs of the military community. They offer spiritual care and ensure all military members and their families have opportunities to exercise their constitutional entitlement to the free exercise of religion. They provide religious services, religious accommodation, pastoral care, unit engagement, and counseling to meet the diverse needs of military members.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Chaplains in the military usually work in offices, hospitals, and places of worship. Those assigned to sea duty work aboard ships. Those assigned to land combat units sometimes work outdoors.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Human Services
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Chaplains in the Military
1,080
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$131,731
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$55,441 - $263,263
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Master's degree 47%
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Bachelor's degree 18%
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Some college 15%
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High school 12%
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Doctoral degree 5%
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First professional degree 1%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Chaplains may have an education in religious studies. Job training for chaplains consists of classroom and on-the-job learning in various environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Role and responsibility of military chaplainsAdministration and leadership techniquesTraining and education methodsProcedures for planning programsPastoral counseling methods
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Philosophy and Theology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
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