How do I become a chaplain
Get qualified to work as a chaplain with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Chaplain.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Chaplain generally earns $1,345 per week ($69,940 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
The number of people employed in this industry has fallen over the last five years. There are currently 13,600 people employed in religious professions in Australia and many of them specialise as a Chaplain. Chaplains may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
If you’re planning a career as a Chaplain, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Chaplaincy. You’ll cover various topics including grief support, mental health, suicide and violence. This course will allow you to choose from electives including aged care, youth work, drug and alcohol abuse and family violence.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What do social workers do?
11th December 2019
What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling?
11th September 2019All chaplain courses
- 10635NAT Diploma of Chaplaincy
- 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian)
- 11061NAT Diploma of Ageing and Pastoral or Spiritual Care
- 11070NAT Diploma of Chaplaincy
- 11128NAT Graduate Diploma of Buddhist Studies
- 11238NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology
- Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts (Studies in Religion)
- Bachelor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Theology
- Bachelor of Theology (Honours)
- CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work
- CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
- Diploma in Theology
- Graduate Certificate in Divinity
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Theology
- Graduate Diploma in Divinity
- Graduate Diploma in Theology
- Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies
- Master of Theological Studies
- Master of Theology
- Undergraduate Certificate in Theology
Chaplain careers
A Chaplain provides religious counselling to individuals and small groups. You might work at a school, residential care home, hospital or correctional facility. A Chaplain might provide religious guidance when people are going through a challenging time or refer them to other support services if required.
Chaplains should have strong interpersonal skills and be good at communicating. It’s important that you can listen well and understand individual circumstances. Chaplains should be able to work with people from a range of backgrounds and should be empathetic and non-judgemental. Depending on their role, Chaplains may have to work irregular hours.
