Job Duties
Building inspectors are responsible for ensuring compliance with codes, ordinances, regulation, and specifications relating to buildings, highways, streets, bridges, and many other types of structures. Inspectors make an inspection during the first phase of the construction, as well as many additional inspections during throughout the entire construction process. In 1994, the first set of national uniform building codes was released by the International Code Council (ICC), making it much easier for building inspectors to change locations throughout the country and still be familiar with codes. In areas where severe weather or natural disasters are a concern, building inspectors focus on compliance with safety regulations that protect structures and people from these acts of nature.
Building inspectors specialize in many different areas of the occupation. Plan examiners decide if building plans are sound and will comply with codes and regulations. Electrical inspectors examine electrical systems to ensure they function properly. Elevator inspectors examine devices such as elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, lifts and hoists, inclined railways, ski lifts, and amusement rides. Mechanical inspectors are responsible for the inspection of mechanical devices. Plumbing inspectors inspect plumbing systems, including drain, waste, and vent lines. Public works inspectors ensure conformity of government construction projects to Federal codes. Home inspectors inspect newly constructed homes.
Job Skills
Building inspectors need to have a thorough knowledge of construction practices in one specific area. They need to have good communication and interpersonal skills. They must be in good physical condition because they are often required to walk around job sites for significant lengths of time. They usually need to have a valid driver's license.
Income
In 2002, building inspectors earned a median hourly wage of $20.01. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $12.53, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $30.10. The following shows the median annual salaries in the industries employing the highest numbers of building inspectors:
* Local government -- $42,260
* Architectural, engineering, and related services -- $40,770
* State government -- $39,610
Training and Education
Employment requirements for building inspectors vary considerably based on geographic location. They should have a thorough knowledge of construction in one particular area, as well as a number of years of experience as a manager, supervisor, or craftworker in the construction and building industries. Most inspectors begin their careers working as a carpenter, electricians, plumber, or pipefitter. Most employers require applicants to have at least a high school diploma, and many search out applicants who have studied engineering or architecture.
Some prefer those with a degree from a community college in building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, drafting, and mathematics. Most inspectors receive a majority of their training on the job, while learning codes and regulation on their own time. They are required to receive continuing education to stay abreast of new developments in the field. Most State require inspectors to be certified. Visit this page about trade schools for more information on related careers.
Employment
In 2002, building inspectors held about 84,000 jobs. Most were employed by government of by architectural and engineering firms.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, employment of building inspectors is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Greater concern in the general public for safety will create demand for these workers. Opportunities will be best for those with a high degree of experience as supervisors and construction craftworkers, as well as some college education in engineering or architecture.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/vocational_careers/building_inspector
Thursday, June 7, 2007
About Photography Careers
Photography, like many other professions allied to the communications industries, is going through a revolution. The advent of digital photography has not only revolutionized how photographs are taken, it also affects the transmission, storage and manipulation of the images produced. However there is still a place for the more traditional analog photography technologies, although these are being gradually replaced as the quality of digital photography improves.
Photographers are used in several different areas of industry, including newspapers and magazines, illustrations of books and television. There are portrait photographers and fine art photographers who need artistic talent and creativity, commercial and industrial photographers whose photographs are used as illustrations or archival material, and scientific photographers.
Many photographers are freelance, working on a project or contract basis, and using agencies to gain work. Others are salaried, working with newspapers or large corporations.
Most people enter professional photography after gaining a college degree in photography – often photojournalism. A degree course will give a well-rounded background of photography, the technologies and materials used, computerization, and some of the creativity necessary to compose good photographs.
Earnings averaged at around the $22,300 area in 2000, with the top 10% of photographers earning in excess of $46,000. Competition is fierce to gain a foothold in this industry, so qualifications help to get that important first job.
News Photographer
Job Duties
News photographers, sometimes referred to as photojournalists, photograph newsworthy people, places, and sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. Some work as salaried staff employees, while others own their own businesses and are known as freelance photographers. Freelance news photographers may license the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies or contracts with other types of clients.
They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.
Job Skills
In addition to photography skills, news photographers need to comprehend the story behind the event they are photographing in order to match their pictures with the story. They also should possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination, and be able to think and act decisively. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.
Income
In 2002, news photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.
Training and Education
News photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.
Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.
Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.
Employment
In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, the number of news photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As news photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/news_photographer
News photographers, sometimes referred to as photojournalists, photograph newsworthy people, places, and sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. Some work as salaried staff employees, while others own their own businesses and are known as freelance photographers. Freelance news photographers may license the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies or contracts with other types of clients.
They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.
Job Skills
In addition to photography skills, news photographers need to comprehend the story behind the event they are photographing in order to match their pictures with the story. They also should possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination, and be able to think and act decisively. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.
Income
In 2002, news photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.
Training and Education
News photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.
Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.
Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.
Employment
In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, the number of news photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As news photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/news_photographer
Photographic Equipment Technician
Job Duties
Photographic equipment technicians are usually employed by independent repair shops, equipment manufacturers, or retailers. They dismantle, repair, adjust, and clean cameras, lenses, projectors, and other types of photographic equipment. In smaller shops, technicians usually work on a variety of types of photographic equipment, while in larger shops, they usually specialize in a particular type of brand. Technicians determine the damage to the equipment, make the necessary repairs, reassemble the equipment, and test whether it meets manufacturer specifications.
Technicians use a variety of small hand tools, such as jewelers' screw drivers, files, wrenches, soldering instruments, microscopes, micrometers, and gauges. They also use precision testing instruments, such as digital voltmeters, optical measuring devices, electronic timers and mechanical testing devices.
Job Skills
Because this work is meticulous and usually indoors, photographic equipment technicians need to be patient and persistent. They usually are required to interact with customers, so they should be able to communicate well and get along with others. In addition, they are often required to have good writing skills.
Income
Photographic equipment technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and highly-developed skills may make from $9.00 per hour to $17.00 per hour. Some are paid by the job, rather than hourly. Still others may make a percentage of the shop rate charged to the customer. Employees of manufacturers or larger repair shops may receive vacation and health benefits.
Training and Education
Photographic equipment technicians can receive training through private vocational schools that teach photographic equipment repair, as well as through some community colleges. Employers usually prefer to hire technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and are fully qualified. Applicants without this level of experience must have received formal training or have a strong background in high school physical sciences and electronics theory. They must also be able to comprehend technical manuals and blueprints, as well as have an aptitude for mechanical work.
Another route into the occupation is through training in the armed forces. However, some general civilian experience or training may be necessary since military photographic work may specialize in specific types of equipment. Yet another way technicians enter the field is through on-the-job training from their employers.
Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic equipment technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Population growth and the popularity of amateur and family photography will contribute to a continuing need for repair and service of photographic and related equipment.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/photographic_equipment_technician
Photographic equipment technicians are usually employed by independent repair shops, equipment manufacturers, or retailers. They dismantle, repair, adjust, and clean cameras, lenses, projectors, and other types of photographic equipment. In smaller shops, technicians usually work on a variety of types of photographic equipment, while in larger shops, they usually specialize in a particular type of brand. Technicians determine the damage to the equipment, make the necessary repairs, reassemble the equipment, and test whether it meets manufacturer specifications.
Technicians use a variety of small hand tools, such as jewelers' screw drivers, files, wrenches, soldering instruments, microscopes, micrometers, and gauges. They also use precision testing instruments, such as digital voltmeters, optical measuring devices, electronic timers and mechanical testing devices.
Job Skills
Because this work is meticulous and usually indoors, photographic equipment technicians need to be patient and persistent. They usually are required to interact with customers, so they should be able to communicate well and get along with others. In addition, they are often required to have good writing skills.
Income
Photographic equipment technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and highly-developed skills may make from $9.00 per hour to $17.00 per hour. Some are paid by the job, rather than hourly. Still others may make a percentage of the shop rate charged to the customer. Employees of manufacturers or larger repair shops may receive vacation and health benefits.
Training and Education
Photographic equipment technicians can receive training through private vocational schools that teach photographic equipment repair, as well as through some community colleges. Employers usually prefer to hire technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and are fully qualified. Applicants without this level of experience must have received formal training or have a strong background in high school physical sciences and electronics theory. They must also be able to comprehend technical manuals and blueprints, as well as have an aptitude for mechanical work.
Another route into the occupation is through training in the armed forces. However, some general civilian experience or training may be necessary since military photographic work may specialize in specific types of equipment. Yet another way technicians enter the field is through on-the-job training from their employers.
Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.
Job Outlook
Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic equipment technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Population growth and the popularity of amateur and family photography will contribute to a continuing need for repair and service of photographic and related equipment.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/photographic_equipment_technician
Become A Rabbi
This article provides an overview of Rabbinical careers and the requirements to become a Rabbi. This article will outline a Rabbi's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Rabbi Job Duties
Rabbis are the head of their congregations and preserve the substance of Jewish religious worship. Rabbis serve Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and unaffiliated Jewish congregations. Their duties vary depending on their particular branch of Judaism, and even between congregations of the same branch, but can include:
- Leading their congregation in worship
- Officiating at bar and bat mitzvahs
- Officiating at weddings
- Officiating at funerals
- Performing administrative duties of the congregation
- Performing community relations
- Acting as a point of contact for interfaith relations and activities
- Some Rabbis may write for religious and lay publications
- Some Rabbis may teach in theological seminars, colleges or universities
Rabbis have greater independence in religious expression than do other clergy because of the absence of a formal hierarchy. Rabbis are responsible to the board of trustees of their congregation.
Rabbi Job Skills
Rabbis act as an intermediary between their congregation and the divine. As such, they must possess many unique skills, including:
- A strong sense of "calling" to the ministry of God
- A strong sense of morality
- Caring and empathy for their fellow man
- Excellent listening skills
- Excellent communication skills
- An ability to relate theological concepts to the lives of their parishioners
- Personal strength to help parishioners through difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one
Rabbi Income
Incomes for Rabbis can vary greatly. They typically receive an annual salary, and in addition may receive housing, health insurance, and a retirement plan. A Rabbi may earn additional income officiating at ceremonies such as weddings, and bar and bat mitzvahs. In 2003, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary for all clergy including Rabbis to be in the $36,000 range. Rabbi income is often quoted in the press to be in the range of $50,000 to $150,000. Variation depends on geographic location, and the size and wealth of a congregation.
Training and Education Required to Become a Rabbi
The training required to become a Rabbi is rigorous. To become eligible for ordination as a Rabbi, an individual must complete a course of study in a Jewish seminary. Most seminaries require students to be college graduates. Jewish seminaries typically take five years to cThis article provides an overview of Rabbinical careers and the requirements to become a Rabbi. This article will outline a Rabbi's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Rabbi Job Duties
Rabbis are the head of their congregations and preserve the substance of Jewish religious worship. Rabbis serve Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and unaffiliated Jewish congregations. Their duties vary depending on their particular branch of Judaism, and even between congregations of the same branch, but can include:
* Leading their congregation in worship
* Officiating at bar and bat mitzvahs
* Officiating at weddings
* Officiating at funerals
* Performing administrative duties of the congregation
* Performing community relations
* Acting as a point of contact for interfaith relations and activities
* Some Rabbis may write for religious and lay publications
* Some Rabbis may teach in theological seminars, colleges or universities
Rabbis have greater independence in religious expression than do other clergy because of the absence of a formal hierarchy. Rabbis are responsible to the board of trustees of their congregation.
Rabbi Job Skills
Rabbis act as an intermediary between their congregation and the divine. As such, they must possess many unique skills, including:
* A strong sense of "calling" to the ministry of God
* A strong sense of morality
* Caring and empathy for their fellow man
* Excellent listening skills
* Excellent communication skills
* An ability to relate theological concepts to the lives of their parishioners
* Personal strength to help parishioners through difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one
Rabbi Income
Incomes for Rabbis can vary greatly. They typically receive an annual salary, and in addition may receive housing, health insurance, and a retirement plan. A Rabbi may earn additional income officiating at ceremonies such as weddings, and bar and bat mitzvahs. In 2003, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average salary for all clergy including Rabbis to be in the $36,000 range. Rabbi income is often quoted in the press to be in the range of $50,000 to $150,000. Variation depends on geographic location, and the size and wealth of a congregation.
Training and Education Required to Become a Rabbi
The training required to become a Rabbi is rigorous. To become eligible for ordination as a Rabbi, an individual must complete a course of study in a Jewish seminary. Most seminaries require students to be college graduates. Jewish seminaries typically take five years to complete, but can last from four to six years. Graduates are awarded the title Rabbi and earn a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters.
Click here to review a list of Theology Schoolsand the programs that they offer.
Rabbi Employment
In 1998, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 5,000 Rabbis supporting congregations in the United States. This number did not include the number of ordained Rabbis serving in other occupations.
Newly ordained Rabbis usually begin employment in small congregations, as assistants to experienced Rabbis in larger congregations, as directors of Hillel Foundations on college campuses, as teachers in educational institutions, or as chaplains in the U.S. Armed forces.
Rabbi Job Outlook
Job opportunities for Rabbis are expected in all major branches of Judaism through the most of the next decade. Rabbis willing to work in small, under-served communities will have the best prospects for employment.
There are other related occupations for ordained Rabbis, including: teaching Jewish studies at colleges and universities, serving as chaplains in the Armed Forces, serving as hospital chaplains, serving as university chaplains, serving as a chaplain in a correctional institution, and positions in social service or Jewish community agencies.
omplete, but can last from four to six years. Graduates are awarded the title Rabbi and earn a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters.
Click here to review a list of Theology Schoolsand the programs that they offer.
Rabbi Employment
In 1998, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 5,000 Rabbis supporting congregations in the United States. This number did not include the number of ordained Rabbis serving in other occupations.
Newly ordained Rabbis usually begin employment in small congregations, as assistants to experienced Rabbis in larger congregations, as directors of Hillel Foundations on college campuses, as teachers in educational institutions, or as chaplains in the U.S. Armed forces.
Rabbi Job Outlook
Job opportunities for Rabbis are expected in all major branches of Judaism through the most of the next decade. Rabbis willing to work in small, under-served communities will have the best prospects for employment.
There are other related occupations for ordained Rabbis, including: teaching Jewish studies at colleges and universities, serving as chaplains in the Armed Forces, serving as hospital chaplains, serving as university chaplains, serving as a chaplain in a correctional institution, and positions in social service or Jewish community agencies.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/theology_careers/become_a_rabbi
Become A Priest
This article provides an overview of careers as a Roman Catholic Priest and the requirements to become a Catholic Priest. This article will outline a Priest's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Priest Job Duties
Only unmarried men can become Catholic priests. There are two types of Catholic Priests:
- Diocesan priests - Diocesan priests commit their lives to serving the people of a diocese, which is a church administrative region, and typically work in parishes, schools, or other Catholic institutions as assigned by the bishop of their diocese. Diocesan priests take a vow of celibacy and obedience.
- Religious priests - Religious priests belong to a religious order such as the Dominicans, Franciscans, and Jesuits. Religious priests get their direction from their superiors within their religious order. Religious orders typically specialize in teaching or performing missionary work. In addition to taking a vow of celibacy and obedience, religious priests take a vow of poverty.
While an individual's specific job duties may differ depending on what type of priest they are and/or what religious order they belong to, the duties of a Catholic priest can include:
- Meditating and reading scripture and other religious texts
- Leading a parish in worship by saying Mass
- Delivering the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church
- Officiating at weddings
- Officiating at funerals
- Providing individual or group counseling
- Performing administrative duties for the parish
- Performing administrative duties for the diocese
- Performing community relations
- Visiting hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and homes
- Counseling parishioners
- Acting as an advocate for Catholic beliefs and stances on issues
- Holding teaching jobs at seminaries, colleges and universities, and high schools
Priest Job Skills
Priests act as an intermediary between their congregation and the divine. As such, they must possess many unique skills, including:
- A strong sense of "calling" to the ministry of God
- A strong sense of morality
- The personal strength to lead a celibate and potentially monastic life
- Caring and empathy for their fellow man
- Excellent listening skills
- Excellent communication skills
- An ability to relate biblical and theological concepts to the lives of their parishioners
- Personal strength to help parishioners through difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one
Priest Income
According to the National Federation of Priests' Council (NFPC), in 2002 diocesan priests made between $15,291 and $18,478 per year. In addition to their salary, diocesan priests receive benefits that may include a car allowance, room and board in a parish rectory, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Diocesan priests who teach typically make an income from teaching that is less than what a lay person would earn in the same position.
Religious priests take a vow of poverty. Any income that they earn is given to their order.
Training and Education Required to Become a Priest
The training to become a priest typically requires eight years of study beyond high school. This usually includes getting a college degree, followed by four years of study at a seminary. Preparation for the priesthood may start in high school. Their are seven high-school seminary programs, four free-standing high-school seminaries, and three programs within Catholic high schools. All provide a college preparatory program of study. At the college level, there are 39 programs offered by Catholic colleges and universities or freestanding college seminaries. There are also 49 theological seminaries granting either Master of Divinity or Masters of Arts Degrees.
Young men are never denied entry into a seminary because of lack of funds.
Click here to review a list of Theology Schools and the programs that they offer.
Priest Employment
According to the The Official Catholic Directory, there were about 43,000 priests in 2004 serving over 19,000 parishes and 63 million Catholics in the United States. About two thirds of of the priests were diocesan priests. About 25% of diocesan priests are retired. While priests can be found in nearly every city and town, the majority can be found in metropolitan areas. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, priests also support 585 Catholic hospitals, 7,142 Catholic elementary schools, 1,374 Catholic high schools, and 230 Catholic colleges and universities.
Newly ordained diocesan priests typically serve as an assistant to the pastor of a parish. Newly ordained religious priests are assigned duties consistent with their training.
Priest Job Outlook
There is a significant shortage of Roman Catholic priests in the United States. In recent years the number of ordained priests has been insufficient to meet the needs of parishes and other Catholic institutions. According to CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate), 17% of parishes in the United States have no resident priest pastor. Seminary enrollments continue to remain below the levels needed to overcome this shortfall. Because of this, there is a very favorable job outlook for Catholic priests over most of the foreseeable future.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/theology_careers/become_a_priest
Become A Minister
This article provides an overview of ministerial careers and the requirements to become a minister. This article will outline a minister's job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Minister Job Duties
Protestant ministers, or pastors, are the head of their congregations. Their duties vary depending on their particular denomination, and even between congregations of the same denomination, but can include:
* Leading their congregation in worship, which typically includes bible readings, hymn singing, prayers, and sermons
* Administering the rights of their church, such as Holy Communion, baptism, and confirmation
* Officiating at weddings
* Officiating at funerals
* Performing baptisms
* Providing spiritual guidance
* Providing counseling for troubled parishioners
* Providing marriage counseling
Depending on the denomination, some ministers work directly for their congregation, others report to a church hierarchy of bishops within a diocese.
Minister Job Skills
Protestant ministers act as an intermediary between their congregation and the divine. As such, they must possess many unique skills, including:
* A strong sense of "calling" to the ministry of God
* A strong sense of morality
* Caring and empathy for their fellow man
* Excellent listening skills
* Excellent communication skills
* An ability to relate theological and biblical concepts to the lives of their parishioners
* Personal strength to help parishioners through difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one
Minister Income
Salaries for Protestant ministers can vary substantially, depending on their experience, denomination, and the size, wealth, and geographic location of their congregation. According to a study done by the Duke University Divinity School, as reported in a Pulpit & Pew Research Report in the Winter of 2003, salaries for Protestant ministers were around $40,000 including housing, with the top 10% earning $68,000, also including housing. The bottom 10% earned about $12,000 with housing. Ministers with modest salaries sometimes earn additional income from secular employment. A minister's income does typically include housing and daily living expenses.
Training and Education Required to Become a Minister
The training required to become a minister can vary greatly depending on the denomination. Some denominations have no formal education requirements. Most denominations strongly prefer a bachelors degree, followed by theological study at a seminary or divinity school.
Most large denominations run their own theology schools that reflect their doctrine, interests, and needs. There are also many interdenominational schools, or divinity schools, associated with universities that have both undergraduate and graduate training. In 2002, the Association of Theological Schools accredited 216 Protestant denominational theological schools in North America. Many denominations require that individuals obtain a Master of Divinity Degree from one of these schools.
Most individuals are ordained after graduation from a seminary of after serving a pastoral probationary period.
Click here to review a list of Theology Schools and the programs that they offer.
Minister Employment
According to the National Council of Churches (NCC), there are more than 100,000 congregations, serving over 45 million people in the North America. The NCC also reports that there are more than 300,000 ministers including those who did not serve a regular congregation. Individuals entering the clergy often begin their careers as pastors of small congregations, or as assistant pastors in larger congregations.
Many, but not all, denominations now allow women to become ordained ministers.
Minister Job Outlook
The job outlook for Protestant ministers is best for those who graduate theological schools. Competition can be vigorous for individuals seeking positions serving large, urban congregations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that prospects for employment are "relatively favorable" for ministers in evangelical churches.
There are other, related occupations for ordained Protestant ministers, including: teaching in religious educational institutions, serving as chaplains in the Armed Forces, serving as hospital chaplains, serving as university chaplains, and serving as a chaplain in a correctional institution.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/theology_careers/become_a_minister
Minister Job Duties
Protestant ministers, or pastors, are the head of their congregations. Their duties vary depending on their particular denomination, and even between congregations of the same denomination, but can include:
* Leading their congregation in worship, which typically includes bible readings, hymn singing, prayers, and sermons
* Administering the rights of their church, such as Holy Communion, baptism, and confirmation
* Officiating at weddings
* Officiating at funerals
* Performing baptisms
* Providing spiritual guidance
* Providing counseling for troubled parishioners
* Providing marriage counseling
Depending on the denomination, some ministers work directly for their congregation, others report to a church hierarchy of bishops within a diocese.
Minister Job Skills
Protestant ministers act as an intermediary between their congregation and the divine. As such, they must possess many unique skills, including:
* A strong sense of "calling" to the ministry of God
* A strong sense of morality
* Caring and empathy for their fellow man
* Excellent listening skills
* Excellent communication skills
* An ability to relate theological and biblical concepts to the lives of their parishioners
* Personal strength to help parishioners through difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one
Minister Income
Salaries for Protestant ministers can vary substantially, depending on their experience, denomination, and the size, wealth, and geographic location of their congregation. According to a study done by the Duke University Divinity School, as reported in a Pulpit & Pew Research Report in the Winter of 2003, salaries for Protestant ministers were around $40,000 including housing, with the top 10% earning $68,000, also including housing. The bottom 10% earned about $12,000 with housing. Ministers with modest salaries sometimes earn additional income from secular employment. A minister's income does typically include housing and daily living expenses.
Training and Education Required to Become a Minister
The training required to become a minister can vary greatly depending on the denomination. Some denominations have no formal education requirements. Most denominations strongly prefer a bachelors degree, followed by theological study at a seminary or divinity school.
Most large denominations run their own theology schools that reflect their doctrine, interests, and needs. There are also many interdenominational schools, or divinity schools, associated with universities that have both undergraduate and graduate training. In 2002, the Association of Theological Schools accredited 216 Protestant denominational theological schools in North America. Many denominations require that individuals obtain a Master of Divinity Degree from one of these schools.
Most individuals are ordained after graduation from a seminary of after serving a pastoral probationary period.
Click here to review a list of Theology Schools and the programs that they offer.
Minister Employment
According to the National Council of Churches (NCC), there are more than 100,000 congregations, serving over 45 million people in the North America. The NCC also reports that there are more than 300,000 ministers including those who did not serve a regular congregation. Individuals entering the clergy often begin their careers as pastors of small congregations, or as assistant pastors in larger congregations.
Many, but not all, denominations now allow women to become ordained ministers.
Minister Job Outlook
The job outlook for Protestant ministers is best for those who graduate theological schools. Competition can be vigorous for individuals seeking positions serving large, urban congregations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that prospects for employment are "relatively favorable" for ministers in evangelical churches.
There are other, related occupations for ordained Protestant ministers, including: teaching in religious educational institutions, serving as chaplains in the Armed Forces, serving as hospital chaplains, serving as university chaplains, and serving as a chaplain in a correctional institution.
http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/theology_careers/become_a_minister
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