Religious Studies Professor

Also called: Theology Professor

Teaches and researches the world's religions—their histories, texts, and practices.

A day in the life

Teaches a course on Buddhism and Islam, reads ancient texts in their original languages, and advises a student writing on religion and politics.

Pay over a career

Starting
$50k
Typical
$80k
High
$140k

Estimate.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Doctorate (PhD), about 11 years after high school. PhD in religious studies or theology.

Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Religious Studies, History, Philosophy.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). Estimate.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. AI translates texts and helps prep lectures; teaching, close reading in original languages and research stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP World History, AP English Language, Latin, Greek, Hebrew or Arabic.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-1126.

More Philosophy, Ethics & Religion careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.