Competition for Protestant ministers will continue as church membership grows slowly. A shortage of Catholic priests will continue also as more priests retire rather than join the priesthood. Job opportunities for rabbis will be good, reflecting current needs and the likelihood of many rabbis retiring soon. In general, the more education a person has in this job, the better. Also, those willing to live in small towns and rural communities will have better chances.
Some clergy take vows of poverty.
For others, salaries depend on years of experience, denomination, size and wealth of the congregation, and location. Those who work in urban areas tend to earn more than those in rural areas. Young people wanting to work as clergy should talk to their local ministers, priests, or rabbis about it. Each sect or group has its own schools and other kinds of training.