What are the main factors that influence a Chaplain's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Chaplain's salary?

A Chaplain's salary grows with experience: a Chaplain (2-4 years)earns $72,357, a Pastoral Care Manager (3-5 years)earns $122,096, a Pastoral Care Director (5+ years)earns $131,377,

What are the highest paying states for a Chaplain?

Chaplain salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Chaplain roles are District of Columbia $72,751, California $72,475, Massachusetts $71,509. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Chaplain roles make?

Salaries for Chaplain level roles vary by specialization: Hospice Chaplain: $69,889; Staff Chaplain: $65,663; Prison Chaplain: $63,709; Chaplain - Healthcare: $63,695; Associate Chaplain: $62,395.

Chaplain Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Chaplain make in District of Columbia?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chaplain in District of Columbia is $72,751 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Chaplain's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,002
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,862 to $78,117
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,680

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Chaplain Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$78,117	$6,510	$1,502	$38
Average	$72,751	$6,063	$1,399	$35
25th Percentile	$64,862	$5,405	$1,247	$31

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Key Factors That Influence Chaplain Salaries

A Chaplain's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Chaplain Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chaplains. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $72,751.
California: $72,475.
Massachusetts: $71,509.

District of Columbia $72,751 California $72,475 Massachusetts $71,509 Washington $71,247 New Jersey $71,220 Alaska $71,128 Connecticut $70,221 New York $69,854

Hawaii $68,677 Rhode Island $68,125 Maryland $67,751 Minnesota $67,238 Colorado $67,041 Illinois $66,976 Oregon $66,726 Delaware $66,542

New Hampshire $66,426 Virginia $66,167 Pennsylvania $65,412 Nevada $65,031 North Dakota $64,906 Michigan $64,709 Wisconsin $64,636 Vermont $64,492

Texas $64,091 Maine $64,065 Arizona $64,025 Ohio $63,979 Georgia $63,375 Indiana $63,073 Wyoming $63,013 Utah $62,921

Iowa $62,882 Kansas $62,567 Louisiana $62,475 North Carolina $62,442 Missouri $62,429 Florida $62,172 Montana $62,034 Nebraska $61,903

Kentucky $61,831 South Carolina $61,568 Tennessee $61,404 Idaho $61,338 New Mexico $60,858 Oklahoma $60,753 Alabama $60,365 South Dakota $59,715

Arkansas $59,360 West Virginia $59,170 Mississippi $58,598

Top Paying Cities for Chaplains

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $72,751
Washington: $72,751
Naval Anacost Annex: $72,751

Parcel Return Service, DC $72,751 Washington, DC $72,751 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $72,751 Washington Navy Yard, DC $72,751

Chaplain Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chaplain's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

$64,862

Average $72,751/year

$78,117

$5,405

Average $6,063/month

$6,510

$1,247

Average $1,399/week

$1,502

$31

Average $35/hour

$38

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$78,117	$6,510	$1,502	$38
Average	$72,751	$6,063	$1,399	$35
25th Percentile	$64,862	$5,405	$1,247	$31

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