Directors (Religious Activities and Education)
O*NET title: Directors, Religious Activities and Education
Also called: Religious Education Directors
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
Also called: Adult Ministries Director, Campus Ministries Director, Campus Ministry Director, Children and Family Ministries Director, Children and Youth Ministries Director, Children's Director
Median pay
$52,100
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,670 – $98,310
People employed
22,160
Holland code
SEA
Social · Enterprising · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
Directors (Religious Activities and Education) pay by state
Annual median pay by state (42 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Directors (Religious Activities and Education) salary in every state →
What directors (religious activities and education) do
- 01Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
- 02Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
- 03Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
- 04Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- 05Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- 06Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Philosophy and Theology
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Empathy
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from directors (religious activities and education)
- Social and Community Service Managers91% · +54%
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers86% · +14%
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors84% · +23%
- Community Health Workers83% · 0%
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare83% · +14%
Change into directors (religious activities and education)
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Recreation Workers80% · $36,560
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare78% · $59,300
- Community Health Workers77% · $51,850
- Social and Human Service Assistants77% · $45,930
- Rehabilitation Counselors76% · $46,850
Majors that lead here
- Contemplative Studies/Inquiry
- Thanatology
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Missions/Missionary Studies
- Religious Education
- Worship Ministry
- Religious Music and Worship, Other
- Pastoral Studies/Counseling
- Youth Ministry
- Urban Ministry
- Women's Ministry
- Lay Ministry
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.