Religious leaders

Strong job outlook

Overview

Religious leaders conduct religious services, administer the rites of a religious faith or denomination, provide spiritual and moral guidance and perform other functions associated with the practice of a religion. They perform these duties in churches, synagogues, temples or other places of worship. They may also work in other institutions such as schools, hospitals and correctional facilities.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Conduct regular religious services

  • Administer rites of faiths such as marriages and funerals

  • Pray and promote spirituality by delivering sermons and other talks

  • Provide spiritual and moral guidance to members of a religious faith

  • Supervise, plan and administer programs of religious education

  • May participate in humanitarian endeavours and delivery of social services and welfare activities

  • May share in the administrative and financial operation of a religious community

  • May provide consultation services to government and other organizations.

Job titles

  • archbishop
  • archdeacon
  • assistant minister - religion
  • bishop
  • cardinal
  • chancellor - religion

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$36,289

Median

$53,621

High

$93,852

Job openings

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Strong job outlook

British Columbia

888

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of college, university or other program in religious studies is usually required. Some occupations in this unit group may require a master's of divinity or theology.

  • A period of study with a senior minister is usually required.

Additional information

  • Progression to senior positions included in this unit group, within a religious order, is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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