What Clergy do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Clergy this way: "Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Pray and promote spirituality"; "Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran"; "Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks"; "Organize and lead regular religious services"; "Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Clergy
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 242,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 247,800 in 2035, an increase of 5,800 jobs (+2.4%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 19,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 5.7% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $60,810, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Clergy earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $59,848 in New York to $62,015 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,167 (1.04 times). 1 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $60,810 and 1 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,810, which is 54.8% of the 16,080 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 7,270.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($62,015) and New York ($59,848) lead the ranking, while New York ($59,848) and New Jersey ($62,015) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Clergy
What is the national median wage for Clergy?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $60,810. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $59,848 to $62,015.
Which state pays Clergy the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $62,015. New York is next at $59,848.
What is the job outlook for Clergy?
BLS projects employment to grow by 2.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 19,200 openings a year.
What education do Clergy need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.