Directors, Religious Activities and Education
SOC code 21-2021 · O*NET-SOC 21-2021.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Directors, Religious Activities and Education pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$52,100
a year
Hourly
$25.05
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$62,100
$29.86 per hour
Middle 50%
$44,010 – $73,730
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,670 – $98,310
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
22,160
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,670
- $16.67/hr
- 25th percentile
- $44,010
- $21.16/hr
- Median percentile
- $52,100
- $25.05/hr
- 75th percentile
- $73,730
- $35.45/hr
- 90th percentile
- $98,310
- $47.26/hr
What do directors, religious activities and education do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
- Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
- Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
- Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
- Train and supervise religious education instructional staff.
- Implement program plans by ordering needed materials, scheduling speakers, reserving space, or handling other administrative details.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 54% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree54%
- Post-Secondary Certificate21%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
- Master's Degree9%
Common questions
How much does a directors, religious activities and education earn?
The national median is $52,100 a year. The full range runs from $34,670 at the 10th percentile to $98,310 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a directors, religious activities and education without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Learning Strategies3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Philosophy and Theology4.2/5
- Education and Training4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Psychology3.5/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Instructing, Service Orientation, Coordination.