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Career pathway

Ministers of Religion

ANZSCO 2722

Employed

18,800

Part-time share

33%

Female share

34%

Median weekly earnings

$1,994

Median age

49 yrs

Employment outlook

Declining

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Ministers of Religion perform spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faiths, and provide motivation, guidance and training in religious life for the people of congregations and parishes, and the wider community.

What they typically do

  • Preparing and conducting services of public worship and acknowledgments of faith
  • Preparing and delivering sermons, homilies and special talks, and planning music for services
  • Participating in the social and welfare activities of communities, encouraging people to be aware of their responsibilities, and organising participation in community projects
  • Conducting classes of religious instruction, and supervising prayer and discussion groups, retreats and seminars
  • Conducting premarital and family counselling and referring people to professional service agencies where necessary
  • Performing marriages, funerals and special memorial services according to tradition and ecclesiastical and civil law
  • Visiting members of the community in their homes, hospitals and other institutions to provide advice and religious comfort
  • Keeping records as required by the church and civil law

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
30.9%
QLD
23.8%
VIC
17.9%
WA
12.9%
SA
8.8%
TAS
2.4%
ACT
2%
NT
1.2%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Ministers of Religion.