Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Theology & Religious Vocations
Median earnings by degree level
| Degree | Median earnings | Typical range | Schools | Clear the bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate's Degree | $40,520 | $35,492 to $42,908 | 5 | 100% |
| Bachelor's Degree | $42,051 | $37,035 to $46,531 | 33 | 85% |
| Master's Degree | $49,979 | $44,738 to $55,377 | 17 | 100% |
"Clear the bar" is the share of programs whose graduates out-earn a typical high-school graduate (the federal earnings-premium test). Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile of program medians.
Job outlook
Projected employment growth +2% (2023 to 2033), about 70,400 openings a year across the occupations this field commonly leads to.
| Occupation | Median pay | Growth | Openings/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clergy | $58,920 | +1% | 23,000 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $50,140 | +2.1% | 13,800 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $49,690 | +4.6% | 13,100 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $37,960 | +0.6% | 11,100 |
| Counselors, All Other | $46,130 | +12.6% | 7,400 |
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,930 | +0.7% | 2,000 |
Occupation pay and outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wages, Employment Projections). A field maps to several occupations, so this lists where the major commonly leads, not any one graduate's job.
Earnings source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10), median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Report an error.