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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 18,741 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 19,283 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 19,623 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 18,803 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,394 | 0.01% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,855 | $20.60 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $41,584 | $19.99 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $40,421 | $19.43 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $38,861 | $18.68 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $37,739 | $18.14 | +3.4% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 19,849,399 | 5 | 0% |
| 2 | California | 39,536,653 | 3 | 0% |
| 3 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 2 | 0% |
| 4 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 2 | 0% |
| 5 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1 | 0% |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1 | 0% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 0 | 0% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 0 | 0% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 0 | 0% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 0 | 0% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 0 | 0% |
Duke University
Vanguard University of Southern California
Seattle Pacific University
Crowley's Ridge College
Gardner-Webb University
Duke University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
Prof. J. Smith: Minimizing debt during undergraduate studies and seminary is crucial due to the low salaries in ministry fields, with graduates often facing significant debt from loans.
Prof. J. Smith: Leaders of religious communities should focus on the relationship between religion and science, discourse promoting civility and respect, and questions regarding human nature, personal freedom, and happiness.
Prof. J. Smith: For undergraduates considering seminary or divinity school, majoring in subjects other than or in addition to religion, such as history, classics, philosophy, or literature, is recommended to develop critical reading skills necessary for the study of religious texts.
Rodolfo Estrada III: Students of theology have the opportunity to pursue careers beyond traditional parish or church ministry. They can find roles as chaplains, work within non-profit organizations, engage in community service, or enter any profession that involves interacting with individuals from various backgrounds and belief systems. I strongly advise acquiring a micro-credential, honing skills in writing and public speaking, or actively collaborating with community leaders to enhance their qualifications and impact.
Rodolfo Estrada III: Remain receptive and open-minded, always ready to glean wisdom from those around you. It's essential to remember that a theology degree offers a starting point for engaging in a broader discourse spanning centuries of deliberation, dispute, and exchange. While we may not possess all the answers to people's inquiries, we've been equipped with the tools to find life's profoundest questions. Never lose one's love for people, and always have hope for a better future.
Rodolfo Estrada III: Over the next 3-5 years, skills in communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration will become increasingly crucial. Many graduates who have a theology degree often work in church or parish ministries. Graduates will not only help people learn about the Christian Bible and tradition, but they will also be asked with questions about contemporary issues. Therefore, the ability to engage with theological concepts in innovative ways and in light of society's challenges will be essential.
Seattle Pacific University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
Dr. David Nienhuis: People typically study theology more for the sake of calling than career. They enter the work because they love God, and they love people. They’re more interested in participating in the healing of the world than in making a huge salary. They’ve not received a “vertical” training that will slot them directly into a specific sort of job, but a “horizontal” training that prepares them for a wide range of careers in which they might practice their calling. Thus, when they are beginning their career, they may need to be patient, as it may take time to find the job that enables them to live out their calling in its fullness. Indeed, they need to cultivate hope, recognizing that each job they take is like a puzzle piece that will eventually form a whole picture, or a steppingstone leading them down the vocational path.
Dr. David Nienhuis: Despite the persistent secularist claims, our world remains as religious as ever. Theology students are needed to help translate religious beliefs, practices, and values across communities of difference. Today’s world needs people who are both smart and other-oriented, both curious and compassionate— people who are committed to a vision of human flourishing and want to play their part to bring healing to the world and are willing to cross lines of comfort and hostility in order to make that happen.
Dr. David Nienhuis: Theology students shouldn’t limit themselves or sell themselves short, thinking they do not have marketable training, for their schooling has provided them with many of the important skills employers are looking for. The study of theology develops “hard” skills like critical thinking, deep research, careful analysis, and thoughtful synthesis, along with all the written and oral communication skills needed to communicate complex ideas in clear and compelling ways. But it also develops in students a range of “soft” skills— like curiosity, empathy, patience, listening, respect, and caregiving— that enable them to tolerate different perspectives and work well with people from backgrounds other than their own.
Josh Parnell: Public speaking skills have always been important in the religious field, and there is no sign that will change in the next 3-5 years. Conflict management is a skill that I believe will become more important and prevalent in the next 3-5 years as religious organizations, much like the society around them, become increasingly polarized.
Josh Parnell: Networking is everything. Job opportunities in the religious field are primarily the result of good references from trusted individuals, not from objective qualifications. Network with as many respected individuals in the field as possible, beginning with your professors and college administrators. If possible, begin your career through an internship with a respected figure in the field, their endorsement will prove invaluable when you set out on your own.
Josh Parnell: There are two common career paths for graduates in religious studies: Ministry (clergy) and academia. Although there are notable exceptions, neither of those career paths typically pay very well; they are 'calling' professions that you do because you are passionate about the job, not because you are looking for financial advancement. So, I strongly advise graduates to develop a second career that they can use to reliably supplement their income.
Gardner-Webb University
Marketing
Scott Shauf Ph.D.: Be open to God’s calling, especially to places you don’t feel comfortable going. There are many ways to serve in ministry, and God may call you to places and tasks you haven’t even thought of. Remember what you have learned, and always think critically and faithfully. Consider pursuing a Master of Divinity degree, for the church needs educated ministers. But whether you do or not, never stop learning.
Scott Shauf Ph.D.: I don’t recommend that young ministers focus too much on salary, especially early in their careers. Focus on getting experience and the necessary education for your goals further down the road.