Best Careers 2009: Clergy

Overview. Religion anchors millions of Americans' lives, and their clergyperson is their ship's captain. That's especially true at life's critical moments: birth, coming of age, marriage, crisis, and death. Most clerics spend far more work hours off the pulpit than on. And not all clerics have a congregation. Some, for example, are chaplains in prisons, hospitals, or the armed forces. Being a cleric isn't a job—it's a life. Your nights and weekends are often spent officiating at events or ministering to parishioners in crisis. To succeed, yes, you must be an inspiring speaker, but you should also be an inspiring human being, able to motivate people to be their best selves, even in crisis. And in America's slowing economy, more people will be in crisis. Surprisingly, what isn't required is an unquestioning faith in God: Many clerics experience periods of doubt.

A Day in the Life. It's Saturday. You start your day by spending two hours crafting tomorrow's sermon. Next, you teach a Bible study class for older parishioners. Then, you meet with the chair of the fundraising committee, trying to agree on whether Las Vegas Night is appropriate. You stop in at the choir rehearsal, where you offer your praise and your 2 cents. You pay a visit to an alcoholic shut-in and a grieving wife, then appear briefly on a local radio show—a useful tool for recruiting new parishioners. Finally, to wind down, you spend an hour on administrative work: sending thank-you notes to donors (it's a small church, and that personal touch counts) and ordering supplies for the church.

Salary Data

Median (with eight years in the field): $44,900

25th to 75th percentile (with eight or more years of experience): $39,500-$71,100

(Data provided by PayScale.com)

Training

Requirements vary widely according to denomination. According to the Department of Labor, many denominations require graduate training while others "will admit anyone who has been 'called' to the vocation." To learn what's likely to be required, speak with a respected clergyperson of your faith.

Smart Specialties

Celebrant. Some self-employed clerics specialize in officiating at weddings, funerals, even divorces.

Cantor. Leads singing in Jewish services, directs the synagogue's music program, and can perform weddings. Check out the  Jewish Music Web Center for info.

Learn More

• Opportunities in Religious Service Careers by John Oliver Nelson

• Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor

• God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens (This book provides an essential balancing perspective to the previous titles. It's a must-read before deciding to enter the clergy.)