Parish Nursing Careers + Salary Basics

The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for a Parish Nursing around the country.

What We Do

Parish nurses are a type of registered nurse who is responsible for offering advice and medical assistance to people within religious communities. Some people refer to parish nurses as faith nurses, health ministry nurses or church nurses, and they all have the same duties within a religious environment. Information provided by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (IPNRC) has noted that parish nurses often take a different approach to medicine by combining science with holistic and spiritual care.

Work Environment

Parish nurses typically work in a range of environments involving religious communities, including health ministries, churches, and clinics. However, although they work in a variety of different places, the locations they visit are often clean and well-lit. Some parish nurses are paid for their services, whereas others choose to work on a voluntary basis during their spare time. Others simply want to gain some experience.

How to Become a Parish Nursing

For those who are planning to work as a parish nurse, they must begin by earning their licensure as a registered nurse within their chosen state. Licensure requirements will typically include either a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or two-year associate degree, wherein individuals will be required to study health assessment techniques, mental health and community nursing techniques. These health professionals will also need to have participated in clinical practice. After earning their degree, they will be able to take the national licensure examination to become a registered nurse. At this time, there is no nationwide form of certification for parish nurses.

Training & Certification Requirements

According to the IPNRC, after health professionals have worked within the field of nursing for a number of years, they should attempt to take a parish nurse training course. Many schools are now offering electives for those who are interested in the parish nursing career, and the IPNRC also offers a number of courses that can help registered nurses to better understand the fundamentals of faith-community nursing. For instance, these courses may provide information about community situations wherein spirituality can be applied to medical treatments.

Parish Nursing Related Job Titles

According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Parish Nursing.

Career/Job Title Average Salary

Parish Nursing Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses from all different backgrounds, including parish nurses, was $67,490 in 2015. However, it is worth noting that some parish nurses choose to work on a voluntary basis.

Parish Nursing Job Outlook

According to the BLS, the demand for registered nurses, including parish nurses, is projected to increase by 19% between the years of 2014 and 2024.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Parish Nursing was $59,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide are 3% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Parish Nursing Salary by State

The following lists Parish Nursing salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $75,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $37,000.

Alaska$44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 48th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $44,000 Bar high
.
Alabama$60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 13th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $60,000 Bar high
.
Arkansas$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 10th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $61,000 Bar high
.
Arizona$49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 43rd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $49,000 Bar high
.
California$64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 7th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Charities of San Francisco.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $64,000 Bar high
.
Colorado$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 32nd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Capuchin Franciscans -Province of St. Conrad.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $53,000 Bar high
.
Connecticut$69,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 4th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $69,000 Bar high
.
DC$75,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 1st
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $75,000 Bar high
.
Delaware$52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 38th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $52,000 Bar high
.
Florida$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 27th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Hospice, Bon Secours Health System, and BayCare.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $55,000 Bar high
.
Georgia$68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 5th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $68,000 Bar high
.
Hawaii$37,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 51st
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $37,000 Bar high
.
Iowa$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 18th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $58,000 Bar high
.
Idaho$39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 50th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $39,000 Bar high
.
Illinois$68,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 6th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village, AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center, Hoffman Estates, and Presence Health.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $68,000 Bar high
.
Indiana$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 22nd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $57,000 Bar high
.
Kansas$54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 30th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $54,000 Bar high
.
Kentucky$51,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 41st
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $51,000 Bar high
.
Louisiana$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 33rd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ochsner Health System, St. Bernard Parish Hospital, Right at Home, Inc., and Correct Care Solutions.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $53,000 Bar high
.
Massachusetts$72,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 2nd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $72,000 Bar high
.
Maryland$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 11th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $61,000 Bar high
.
Maine$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 34th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $53,000 Bar high
.
Michigan$60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 14th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $60,000 Bar high
.
Minnesota$52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 39th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Messiah United Methodist Church.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $52,000 Bar high
.
Missouri$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 19th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lutheran Senior Services.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $58,000 Bar high
.
Mississippi$62,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 9th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $62,000 Bar high
.
Montana$50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 42nd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $50,000 Bar high
.
North Carolina$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 23rd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Novant Health and Carolinas HealthCare System.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $57,000 Bar high
.
North Dakota$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 35th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $53,000 Bar high
.
Nebraska$43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 49th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $43,000 Bar high
.
New Hampshire$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 16th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $59,000 Bar high
.
New Jersey$64,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 8th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $64,000 Bar high
.
New Mexico$52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 40th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $52,000 Bar high
.
Nevada$45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 46th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $45,000 Bar high
.
New York$72,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 3rd
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens and Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $72,000 Bar high
.
Ohio$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 24th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mercy Health, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Rockynol, and Episcopal Retirement Homes.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $57,000 Bar high
.
Oklahoma$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 28th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Ann Home.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $55,000 Bar high
.
Oregon$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 20th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $58,000 Bar high
.
Pennsylvania$57,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 25th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $57,000 Bar high
.
Rhode Island$54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 31st
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $54,000 Bar high
.
South Carolina$59,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 17th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $59,000 Bar high
.
South Dakota$45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 47th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $45,000 Bar high
.
Tennessee$55,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 29th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $55,000 Bar high
.
Texas$58,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 21st
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $58,000 Bar high
.
Utah$46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 45th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $46,000 Bar high
.
Virginia$60,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 15th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $60,000 Bar high
.
Vermont$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 36th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $53,000 Bar high
.
Washington$61,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 12th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $61,000 Bar high
.
Wisconsin$53,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 37th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $53,000 Bar high
.
West Virginia$56,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 26th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like .
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $56,000 Bar high
.
Wyoming$49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))
Rank: 44th
Average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Parish Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k
Parish Nursing $49,000 Bar high
.

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