For Educators: Military Resources
Military Chaplains
Median Salary
139,481
Workforce Count
1,062
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
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.
What is the work environment like?
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.
How many people have this role in the Military?
1,062
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$160,166
2 Years
$124,502
6 Years
$160,166
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
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 may include:
- Role and responsibility of military chaplains
- Administration and leadership techniques
- Training and education methods
- Procedures for planning programs
- Pastoral counseling methods
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Divinity/Ministry
- Pastoral Studies/Counseling
- Youth Ministry
- Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling
- Theology/Theological Studies
- Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies
- Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other
- Rabbinical Studies
- Chaplain/Chaplaincy Studies
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Philosophy and Theology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
Enterprising
You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test