Clergy in Tennessee
Thinking about a career as a Clergy in Tennessee? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Clergy Make in Tennessee?
For a clergy working in Tennessee, the typical annual salary is $51,580 per year (or roughly $24.80/hour).Annual wages span from $29,630 at the 10th percentile to $74,000 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,630 | $14.24 |
| 25th percentile | $44,170 | $21.24 |
| Median (50th) | $51,580 | $24.80 |
| 75th percentile | $61,700 | $29.66 |
| 90th percentile | $74,000 | $35.58 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Tennessee relative to the national average — is 0.64, meaning fewer clergy per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, clergy earn a median of $49,854 per year ($23.97/hour), higher than the Tennessee median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 34,209 clergy across the United States. In Tennessee alone, about 780 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 530 clergy.
Top Tennessee Metros for Clergy
These are the Tennessee metros with the most clergy in Tennessee.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | 280 | $57,320 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 130 | $52,080 |
| Knoxville, TN | 90 | $49,910 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 80 | $56,060 |
| Johnson City, TN | 30 | $52,120 |
Top States for Clergy Employment
These states have the highest employment of clergy work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| New York | 9,210 |
| California | 6,390 |
| Oregon | 4,340 |
| Florida | 3,370 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,660 |
| Illinois | 2,620 |
| Texas | 2,310 |
| Michigan | 2,220 |
| Ohio | 2,060 |
| North Carolina | 1,450 |
| Virginia | 1,400 |
| Arizona | 1,380 |
| Georgia | 1,280 |
| New Jersey | 1,230 |
| Indiana | 1,070 |
| Minnesota | 960 |
| Maryland | 840 |
| Connecticut | 830 |
| Massachusetts | 830 |
| Washington | 800 |
Highest-Paying States for Clergy
These states pay the most for clergy.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $77,850 |
| Washington | $77,530 |
| Virgin Islands | $75,600 |
| Nevada | $70,150 |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 |
| Vermont | $66,860 |
| New Hampshire | $66,670 |
| Georgia | $65,510 |
| Minnesota | $65,350 |
| Connecticut | $65,040 |
Skills
Key clergy skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for clergy, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Pray and promote spirituality.
- Prepare and deliver sermons or other talks.
- Read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran.
- Organize and lead regular religious services.
- Instruct people who seek conversion to a particular faith.
- Share information about religious issues by writing articles, giving speeches, or teaching.
- Counsel individuals or groups concerning their spiritual, emotional, or personal needs.
- Administer religious rites or ordinances.
- Prepare people for participation in religious ceremonies.
- Visit people in homes, hospitals, or prisons to provide them with comfort and support.
- Train leaders of church, community, or youth groups.
- Plan or lead religious education programs.
Work Activities
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Getting Information
- Developing and Building Teams
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
- Thinking Creatively
- Developing Objectives and Strategies
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Coaching and Developing Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Facebook
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Theological & Ministerial Studies
- Pastoral Specialized Ministries
- Mental & Social Health Services
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Related Careers
Related occupations to clergy include:
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
Also Known As
Administrator Pastor, Bishop, Brother, Campus Minister, Campus Pastor, Cantor, Catechist, Catholic Priest, Chancellor, Chaplain, Chaplain Resident, Children's Minister, Children's Pastor, Church Pastor, Clergy Member.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 21-2011.00