Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
Job outlook for deacons in the United States
Deacon job and salary trends over time
Deacon jobs over time
Deacon job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 242 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 249 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 253 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 243 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 237 | 0.00% |
Average deacon salary over time
Deacon salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,574 | $23.83 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $48,104 | $23.13 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $46,758 | $22.48 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $44,954 | $21.61 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $43,656 | $20.99 | +3.4% |
Deacon jobs by state
Most common states for deacons
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 0 | 0% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 0 | 0% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 4 | California | 39,536,653 | 0 | 0% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 0 | 0% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 0 | 0% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 0 | 0% |
| 10 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 0 | 0% |
| 12 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 0 | 0% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 0 | 0% |
Deacon job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of deacon experts
Duke University
Vanguard University of Southern California
Crowley's Ridge College
Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Southern Methodist University
Clemson University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
California Baptist University
Memphis Theological Seminary
La Sierra University
Union University
Prof. J. Smith
Professor of Historical TheologyDuke University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
What Deacon skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. J. Smith: Leaders of religious communities should focus on the relationship between religion and science, discourse promoting civility and respect, and questions regarding human nature, personal freedom, and happiness.
What will help Deacons increase their earning potential?
Prof. J. Smith: For undergraduates considering seminary or divinity school, majoring in subjects other than or in addition to religion, such as history, classics, philosophy, or literature, is recommended to develop critical reading skills necessary for the study of religious texts.
What Deacon skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rodolfo Estrada III: Remain receptive and open-minded, always ready to glean wisdom from those around you. It's essential to remember that a theology degree offers a starting point for engaging in a broader discourse spanning centuries of deliberation, dispute, and exchange. While we may not possess all the answers to people's inquiries, we've been equipped with the tools to find life's profoundest questions. Never lose one's love for people, and always have hope for a better future.
What general advice would you give to a Deacon?
Josh Parnell: Public speaking skills have always been important in the religious field, and there is no sign that will change in the next 3-5 years. Conflict management is a skill that I believe will become more important and prevalent in the next 3-5 years as religious organizations, much like the society around them, become increasingly polarized.
What Deacon skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Josh Parnell: Networking is everything. Job opportunities in the religious field are primarily the result of good references from trusted individuals, not from objective qualifications. Network with as many respected individuals in the field as possible, beginning with your professors and college administrators. If possible, begin your career through an internship with a respected figure in the field, their endorsement will prove invaluable when you set out on your own.
What will help Deacons increase their earning potential?
Josh Parnell: There are two common career paths for graduates in religious studies: Ministry (clergy) and academia. Although there are notable exceptions, neither of those career paths typically pay very well; they are 'calling' professions that you do because you are passionate about the job, not because you are looking for financial advancement. So, I strongly advise graduates to develop a second career that they can use to reliably supplement their income.
Dr. Grant Carey
Associate Professor of Religious EducationWhat Deacon skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Grant Carey: We get multiple calls and emails each week looking for qualified people in this field. Right now there is a shortage of workers and this is a profession that can evolve based upon your skills and experience.
Dr. Robbie Phillips
Professor of Biblical Studies, Chair, Undergraduate Ministry ProgramPacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies
What soft skills should all Deacons possess?
Dr. Robbie Phillips: This would be dominated by relational skills, interpersonal communication skills, general people skills, and conflict resolution.
Leah Thomas Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Contextual EducationAnabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Church and Ministry
What soft skills should all Deacons possess?
Leah Thomas Ph.D.: In my students, I encourage the development of soft skills such as deep listening, empathy, authenticity, flexibility, integrity, trustworthiness, and a collaborative leadership style. These skills exist alongside commitments to ongoing spiritual formation, self and theological reflection and reflexivity, ongoing education and supervision, and care of the self's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual parts.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Deacons to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jill DeTemple Ph.D.: We're not a field (read here as industry), so this question doesn't exactly pertain. Our graduates end up all over the country and in international work, from Los Angeles to the Rio Grande Valley, to New York, to Chicago, to Ulan Bator.
Daniel Wueste Ph.D.
Professor of PhilosophyClemson University
Department of Philosophy and Religion
How do you envision technology impacting Deacons in the next 5 years?
Daniel Wueste Ph.D.: Technology will impact the field (philosophy) as a topic for philosophical investigation (in ethics and social and political philosophy, for example), and as a force in changing the way higher education is delivered. With advances in artificial intelligence, it is likely to enhance the appeal of philosophy as an area of study, as AI aligns well with the philosophy of mind/cognitive science and epistemology.
Debra Dean Murphy Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWest Virginia Wesleyan College
Philosophy and Religious Studies Department
How do you envision technology impacting Deacons in the next 5 years?
Debra Dean Murphy Ph.D.: Depending on the particular vocation religious studies major pursue after graduation, technology will have varying degrees of impact. For those entering various forms of ministry, technology is rapidly changing the game.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Deacons to find work opportunities?
Greg Cochran Ph.D.: The church-based ministry will abound-and may even increase-throughout the United States. While the less flexible ministries, and those with financial challenges, may not endure through this economic climate, many other churches will adapt and overcome. Graduates with clear convictions, lovingly related to other people, will continue to have work to do. Opportunities will abound because neither human nature nor the nature of human longings has changed. The churches will still possess a resonating message of love, justice, and truth for all kinds of people.
In southern California, for example, a church just this month-while restrictions remain in place--still baptized 1,000 new congregants. Church ministry has endured for 2,000 years. Nimble churches will still be looking for leaders in the next ten years. Probably the patterns will remain the same across the country: churches that adapt will thrive, others will face closing. And new churches will be planted.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Deacons?
Dr. Peter Gathje Ph.D.: Most of our graduates go into ministry either in a congregational setting or with a non-profit. So, yes, there will be an enduring impact. In congregational settings, people in ministry will be very likely to continue the "virtual" forms of worship, online Christian education, and other gatherings even as in-person worship resumes. The flexibility of virtual worship and the opportunity to participate from one's own home will be attractive to people even beyond the pandemic. Online adult theological education may supplement or even replace traditional Sunday school and Wednesday night offerings. Non-profits will also build upon the lessons learned during this time for virtual meetings, fundraising, and community programs.
John Webster Ph.D.
Professor of Theology and History of ChristianityLa Sierra University
Theology And Religious Vocations
What general advice would you give to a Deacon?
John Webster Ph.D.: We are living through genuinely extraordinary times! But a degree in religion or theology is excellent preparation for times of crisis, stress, and uncertainty. You may well find yourself to be the person for the hour. People are hurting, confused, and fearful of the future. Graduates with a deep understanding of human beings (including their spiritual, emotional and physical needs) and the dynamics of society will be in high demand not only in church circles but also in the public square. Do not lose heart. Whatever your specific career path, our world needs those who care about more than just making money about social justice, values, and caring. We need you!
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Deacons in the next 3-5 years?
John Webster Ph.D.: We all want to get our lives back to 'normal.' But we will undoubtedly have to grapple with a 'new normal.' A new situation where we have to make technology (be it social media, digital forms of communication, etc.) a tool for more profound and better interpersonal connection rather than merely a stop-gap. We cannot unlearn 'Zoom.' We need to become proficient in using these new tools, while never letting them distort or control our understanding of what it means to be a genuinely good human being. We need to use technology to ensure that even when physical distancing is essential, it does not lead to social distancing. We are all in this together, and technology can help.
What general advice would you give to a Deacon?
Ray Neste: Our graduates enter a wide variety of different careers with such a degree, but my essential advice would be the same for each setting. Whether entering local church ministry (pastor, youth pastor, etc.), parachurch ministry, missions, or some other field, I encourage them to stay humble and keep learning. Learn from people in your church or workplace who have been there awhile, so you can learn the particularities of the church and community.