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Job outlook for children's ministers in the United States
Children's minister job and salary trends over time
Children's minister jobs over time
Children's minister job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,441 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,628 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,745 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,463 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,322 | 0.00% |
Average children's minister salary over time
Children's minister salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $45,421 | $21.84 | +3.1% |
| 2025 | $44,074 | $21.19 | +2.9% |
| 2024 | $42,841 | $20.60 | +4.0% |
| 2023 | $41,189 | $19.80 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $39,999 | $19.23 | +3.4% |
Children's minister jobs by state
Most common states for children's ministers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 16 | 0% |
| 2 | California | 39,536,653 | 13 | 0% |
| 3 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 5 | 0% |
| 4 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 5 | 0% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 3 | 0% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3 | 0% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3 | 0% |
| 8 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 3 | 0% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 2 | 0% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2 | 0% |
| 11 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 2 | 0% |
| 12 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 2 | 0% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 1 | 0% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1 | 0% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 1 | 0% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1 | 0% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
Children's Minister job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of children's minister experts
Duke University
Vanguard University of Southern California
Seattle Pacific University
Crowley's Ridge College
Judson University
Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Southern Methodist University
Clemson University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
California Baptist University
Memphis Theological Seminary
La Sierra University
Gardner-Webb University
Union University
Oral Roberts University
Prof. J. Smith
Professor of Historical TheologyDuke University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
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.
What Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Children's Ministers increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
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.
What Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Children's Ministers increase their earning potential?
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.
Dr. David Nienhuis
Professor of New Testament Studies and Associate Dean for Academic ProgramsSeattle Pacific University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
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.
What Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Children's Ministers increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
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.
What Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Children's Ministers increase their earning potential?
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.
Dr. Grant Carey
Associate Professor of Religious EducationWhat Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Grant Carey: We get multiple calls and emails each week looking for qualified people in this field. Right now there is a shortage of workers and this is a profession that can evolve based upon your skills and experience.
What Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rev. Elliott Anderson: The best way to maximize your salary in pastoral ministries is to not focus on it. Find a job in ministry you love and allow the financial returns to follow a strong work ethic, a recognition and acceptance of your current role, and a consideration of further ones that have more earning potential, but only as they fit the man or woman you are and want to be. One of the biggest mistakes in ministry is leaving a job we love and are effective in to simply earn more money in a different role that we don't like, that doesn't fit our spiritual gifts or experience, and where we quickly lose our joy in the faith and our joy in our pastoral roles.
Dr. Robbie Phillips
Professor of Biblical Studies, Chair, Undergraduate Ministry ProgramPacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies
What skills stand out on Children's Minister resumes?
Dr. Robbie Phillips: -Communication and leadership:
-Communication - both interpersonal and public speaking
-Leadership - administrative and organizational, but also leading people
Christian character and worldview is a quality that one might say "goes without saying."
What skills will help Children's Ministers earn the most?
Dr. Robbie Phillips: Communication skills and leadership. (especially within the context of proven organizational leadership success).
What soft skills should all Children's Ministers possess?
Dr. Robbie Phillips: This would be dominated by relational skills, interpersonal communication skills, general people skills, and conflict resolution.
Leah Thomas Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Contextual EducationAnabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Church and Ministry
What skills stand out on Children's Minister resumes?
Leah Thomas Ph.D.: The question of what "stands out" differs by the values of the particular denomination and those of the local church within that denomination. For example, a Mennonite Church would likely be looking for someone with skills in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, but this could also differ depending on the needs of the local church community. A congregation in the United Methodist Church might privilege different skills, such as visionary leadership.
What soft skills should all Children's Ministers possess?
Leah Thomas Ph.D.: In my students, I encourage the development of soft skills such as deep listening, empathy, authenticity, flexibility, integrity, trustworthiness, and a collaborative leadership style. These skills exist alongside commitments to ongoing spiritual formation, self and theological reflection and reflexivity, ongoing education and supervision, and care of the self's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual parts.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Children's Ministers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jill DeTemple Ph.D.: We're not a field (read here as industry), so this question doesn't exactly pertain. Our graduates end up all over the country and in international work, from Los Angeles to the Rio Grande Valley, to New York, to Chicago, to Ulan Bator.
Daniel Wueste Ph.D.
Professor of PhilosophyClemson University
Department of Philosophy and Religion
How do you envision technology impacting Children's Ministers in the next 5 years?
Daniel Wueste Ph.D.: Technology will impact the field (philosophy) as a topic for philosophical investigation (in ethics and social and political philosophy, for example), and as a force in changing the way higher education is delivered. With advances in artificial intelligence, it is likely to enhance the appeal of philosophy as an area of study, as AI aligns well with the philosophy of mind/cognitive science and epistemology.
Debra Dean Murphy Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWest Virginia Wesleyan College
Philosophy and Religious Studies Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Children's Ministers?
Debra Dean Murphy Ph.D.: Students who major in religious studies do a variety of things with the degree. We've sent students to graduate programs at Princeton, Duke, Vanderbilt, and several other schools. It's also not uncommon for students to have religious studies as a second major alongside history or art, for example. All of which is to say there isn't just one career path for a religious studies major.
For graduates who are pursuing ministry, I do think the pandemic is changing that landscape. Online church in some form is probably here to stay; there are studies already that seem to indicate that. How that affects the hiring of pastors and what their day-to-day work looks like is unknown at this point.
How do you envision technology impacting Children's Ministers in the next 5 years?
Debra Dean Murphy Ph.D.: Depending on the particular vocation religious studies major pursue after graduation, technology will have varying degrees of impact. For those entering various forms of ministry, technology is rapidly changing the game.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Children's Ministers to find work opportunities?
Greg Cochran Ph.D.: The church-based ministry will abound-and may even increase-throughout the United States. While the less flexible ministries, and those with financial challenges, may not endure through this economic climate, many other churches will adapt and overcome. Graduates with clear convictions, lovingly related to other people, will continue to have work to do. Opportunities will abound because neither human nature nor the nature of human longings has changed. The churches will still possess a resonating message of love, justice, and truth for all kinds of people.
In southern California, for example, a church just this month-while restrictions remain in place--still baptized 1,000 new congregants. Church ministry has endured for 2,000 years. Nimble churches will still be looking for leaders in the next ten years. Probably the patterns will remain the same across the country: churches that adapt will thrive, others will face closing. And new churches will be planted.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Children's Ministers?
Dr. Peter Gathje Ph.D.: Most of our graduates go into ministry either in a congregational setting or with a non-profit. So, yes, there will be an enduring impact. In congregational settings, people in ministry will be very likely to continue the "virtual" forms of worship, online Christian education, and other gatherings even as in-person worship resumes. The flexibility of virtual worship and the opportunity to participate from one's own home will be attractive to people even beyond the pandemic. Online adult theological education may supplement or even replace traditional Sunday school and Wednesday night offerings. Non-profits will also build upon the lessons learned during this time for virtual meetings, fundraising, and community programs.
John Webster Ph.D.
Professor of Theology and History of ChristianityLa Sierra University
Theology And Religious Vocations
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
John Webster Ph.D.: We are living through genuinely extraordinary times! But a degree in religion or theology is excellent preparation for times of crisis, stress, and uncertainty. You may well find yourself to be the person for the hour. People are hurting, confused, and fearful of the future. Graduates with a deep understanding of human beings (including their spiritual, emotional and physical needs) and the dynamics of society will be in high demand not only in church circles but also in the public square. Do not lose heart. Whatever your specific career path, our world needs those who care about more than just making money about social justice, values, and caring. We need you!
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Children's Ministers in the next 3-5 years?
John Webster Ph.D.: We all want to get our lives back to 'normal.' But we will undoubtedly have to grapple with a 'new normal.' A new situation where we have to make technology (be it social media, digital forms of communication, etc.) a tool for more profound and better interpersonal connection rather than merely a stop-gap. We cannot unlearn 'Zoom.' We need to become proficient in using these new tools, while never letting them distort or control our understanding of what it means to be a genuinely good human being. We need to use technology to ensure that even when physical distancing is essential, it does not lead to social distancing. We are all in this together, and technology can help.
Scott Shauf Ph.D.
Professor of Religious Studies; Department ChairGardner-Webb University
Marketing
What Children's Minister skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
What will help Children's Ministers increase their earning potential?
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.
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
Ray Neste: Our graduates enter a wide variety of different careers with such a degree, but my essential advice would be the same for each setting. Whether entering local church ministry (pastor, youth pastor, etc.), parachurch ministry, missions, or some other field, I encourage them to stay humble and keep learning. Learn from people in your church or workplace who have been there awhile, so you can learn the particularities of the church and community.
Dr. Christopher Foster
Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Graduate School of Theology andOral Roberts University
Biblical and Theological
What general advice would you give to a Children's Minister?
Dr. Christopher Foster: Find a local church where you can serve and begin to apply the things you have learned-even if you are not employed there. Many churches hire from within to ensure staff fit the culture and ethos of the community. Remember your agility skills - creativity and innovation will be a requirement. Be comfortable working in an unknown and do not be afraid to innovate. Run with new ideas or test new approaches in this constantly changing environment.
Work is not your life! Focus on who you are called to be (being) and not what you are invited to do (doing).