How to Become a Directors, Religious Activities and Education in 2026
Median salary: $54,840 · +2.1% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a 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.
Directors, Religious Activities and Education Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Directors, Religious Activities and Education is $54,840. The bottom 10% earn around $33,990 while the top 10% earn over $106,530.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $33,990 |
| Early career (P25) | $42,210 |
| Median | $54,840 |
| Experienced (P75) | $74,990 |
| Top earners (P90) | $106,530 |
Highest-paying metros
Directors, Religious Activities and Education salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $82,230 |
| North Carolina | $81,900 |
| Colorado | $78,280 |
| Texas | $77,120 |
| California | $74,010 |
| Georgia | $71,900 |
| Tennessee | $69,410 |
| Alabama | $65,190 |
| New Jersey | $63,320 |
| Massachusetts | $61,890 |
| Washington | $58,830 |
| Kansas | $58,770 |
| Iowa | $58,610 |
| Indiana | $57,860 |
| Maryland | $57,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,140 |
| Virginia | $56,060 |
| New York | $55,340 |
| Minnesota | $54,990 |
| Hawaii | $54,600 |
| South Carolina | $52,990 |
| Arizona | $52,810 |
| Missouri | $51,030 |
| Florida | $49,290 |
| Oklahoma | $49,180 |
| Ohio | $49,150 |
| Mississippi | $48,660 |
| Illinois | $48,060 |
| Oregon | $46,810 |
| Nevada | $46,420 |
| Connecticut | $45,870 |
| Michigan | $43,300 |
| Kentucky | $39,380 |
| South Dakota | $38,980 |
| Montana | $38,790 |
| Wisconsin | $37,960 |
| Rhode Island | $36,970 |
| Idaho | $36,030 |
| Arkansas | $33,620 |
| Utah | $31,200 |
| Louisiana | $29,150 |
How to earn more as a Directors, Religious Activities and Education
The salary range for Directors, Religious Activities and Educations spans $72,540 — from $33,990 at entry level to $106,530 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA at $96,210 — $41,370 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: Bachelor's degree
Work experience: Less than 5 years
Starting from high school
- Complete a bachelor's degree program (4 years)
- Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
- Less than 5 years
- Continue professional development and earn certifications
- Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements
Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.
In-state public universities offer the best value. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can reduce costs by 40–60%.
With a related degree
- Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
- Earn professional certifications (state licensure, LCSW, LMHC, or relevant counseling certifications)
- Less than 5 years
- Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience
Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.
Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.
Career change from another field
- Complete a second bachelor's or accelerated degree program
- Earn required professional certifications
- Complete supervised work experience or residency
- Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile
Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.
Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.
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The Directors, Religious Activities and Education role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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SOC: 21-2021.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034