Theology careers usually involve some educational preparation. Degrees in this field may focus on the study of:
- one religion
- several religions
- a comparison of more than one religion
Coursework could include the study of:
- religious texts
- world religions
- religious cultural practices
Graduate coursework is more intense and focused on:
- leadership
- preaching
- counseling
Statistics concerning these careers fall into three defined areas of focus:
- post-secondary teachers
- clergy
- religious activities directors.
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Post-secondary Teachers
Post-secondary teachers religion or philosophy are compensated well. They earn median salary of $66,380. These teachers may work at:
- colleges
- universities
- religious centers
These teachers must maintain and track grades, They often publish scholarly articles to stay current in their field.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states where post-secondary teachers have the best chance at finding work are:
- New York
- California
- Texas
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
The top three metropolitan areas for jobs as post-secondary teachers of theology are:
- New York/New Jersey
- Washington Metro Area
- Los Angeles/ Long Beach/Glendale
However, the top three paying metropolitan areas are:
- Durham/Chapel Hill, NC
- Fayetteville/Springdale/ Rogers AR, MO
- Providence/Warwick in RI and MA.
Clergy
With a median salary of $44,250, work as clergy members rewards the advanced degrees achieved for these positions. These would be spiritual leaders for a congregation or group of people. Clergy members may work in a:
- church
- hospital
- home health care organization
They lead religious rituals and organize other events for the members of the parish and community. Some provide one-on-one spiritual counseling as it relates to:
- substance abuse
- domestic violence
- financial issues
After completing their advanced training, clergy should look for jobs in:
- New York
- California
- Oregon
- Texas
- Michigan
Top paying states for clergy are
- District of Columbia (mean wage $63,680)
- Washington ($62,050)
- California ($60,070)
- Massachusetts
- Alaska ($56,540
If you would like a job preaching away from the city, look in parts of:
- Oregon
- Northern New York
- Montana
The highest paying nonmetropolitan jobs are in:
- Southern Pennsylvania (mean wage $65,540)
- Northern Pennsylvania ($64,100)
- the North Coast Region of California ($63,440).
Religious Activities Directors
With the lowest median salary at $38,780, religious activities directors plan specific activities for:
- religious organizations
- congregations
- communities
These directors work with clergy to:
- create goals and complete planning
- hire some workers
- complete secretarial tasks for the church
The highest need is in:
- New York
- California
- Oregon
The top paying states are:
- North Carolina (mean wage $87,860)
- Alabama (mean wage $83,470)
- DC (mean wage $73,470).
Statistics indicate job growth through 2024 for careers in this field. Professionals in this field usually have some post-secondary education. These include:
- post-secondary teachers
- clergy
- religious activities directors.
Job growth is expected in both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas for theology careers in urban and rural ministry settings.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics