Clergy
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Clergy to increase by 2.4% between 2024 and 2034, from 242,000 to 247,800 jobs. Its estimate of 19,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($60,810), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
242,000
Projected employment (2034)
247,800
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
19,200
Pay & Preparation
$60,810
Bachelor's degree
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Speaking (4.75/5) • Active Listening (4.25/5) • Social Perceptiveness (4.12/5) • Instructing (4/5) • Service Orientation (4/5) • Persuasion (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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