For those students who are interested in studying religion, a degree in Theology is the perfect choice. Having the opportunity to not only gain a college education, but also learn more about one’s faith is often seen as an opportunity that’s too good to pass up. However, when most people think of a theology degree they automatically assume the only available job is that of minister.

Yet, the fact is a theology degree can lead to many careers other than the ministry, with each offering excellent salaries and the chance to use one’s training in various settings. As more people than ever before look at religion and spirituality as a major part of their lives, theology degrees have allowed many people with religious training to enter a number of mainstream careers.
Religious School Teacher
As parents become more concerned with their children’s education, many are opting to enroll their children in private, religious-based schools that are often affiliated with local churches. Just like regular public schools, these schools all need qualified teachers to help students learn. As a result, many theology degree holders are finding excellent paying jobs in these schools. Opportunities are available at the elementary, middle and high school levels, with many teachers being given the chance to teach theology classes to students. Salaries for these jobs can be as low as $25,000 per year to as high as $75,000 annually for those with many years experience with larger schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary range is $47,000-$51,000.
College Faculty
Rather than teaching young children, many graduates with Master’s degrees in Theology choose to become college faculty at colleges and universities across the United States. In these positions, they are able to teach several classes per semester in such areas as Religious History, Christian Education, Philosophy of Religion and other areas. The average annual salary for this position is $62,300, with many professors earning close to $95,000 per year if they are tenured. However, many degree holders begin their college teaching careers as adjunct faculty, teaching part-time at first in order to gain experience and establish a name for themselves in their chosen field. Salaries for part-time faculty can range from $15,000-$25,000 per year, though many instructors are often paid a flat rate per course, ranging from $500-$1,000.
Minister
Yes, the vast majority of those with degrees in Theology do still choose to enter the ministry. While most ministers choose to be employed at a church of certain religious affiliation such as Methodist or Baptist, others choose to minister in hospitals or for worldwide relief agencies helping those in third-world nations overcome poverty, hunger and many times war. The highest-paying jobs for ministers are found in specific churches, with those affiliated with “megachurches” sometimes making well over $1 million or more per year. However, for most ministers their annual salary is closer to $44,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those going directly from college to ministry jobs average $32,000 annually, but often have housing provided along with limited benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
Bible Translator
With the world becoming closer every day, there is a growing need for Bible translators to help bring the Scriptures to many third-world nations. Requiring a mastery of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic many relief organizations are hiring Bible translators to work with native populations in remote areas such as New Guinea and the jungles of South America. These jobs, being part missionary, part anthropologist and part minister require a willingness to live in harsh conditions for months or years at a time, immersing one’s self in the culture in order to gain trust and learn the native language. Salaries for these jobs are growing, since the demands are great. Many relief agencies will pay translators $50,000 or more per year for these assignments, with some paying between $60,000-$70,000 per year for assignments that may last between 10-20 years depending upon the living conditions and available resources. So for those with an interest in history, anthropology and sociology this can be a fascinating way to put their theology training to excellent use.

So whether you wish to be in a comfortable office or in a jungle hut for a decade, there are numerous jobs available for those possessing Theology degrees. While many of these jobs offer very competitive salaries, they also offer the chance to put one’s faith to the test each day, helping others who are suffering hardships the chance to make their lives a bit better. And for anyone who has studied the life of Jesus, they know there is no better way to make a living than to walk in His steps.