Hospice Chaplain Compensation: Salary vs. Per Diem Models

Hospice Chaplain Pay Structures

There is no standard per diem rate for hospice chaplains. Compensation models include:

Salaried (Most Common)

• Full-time: $45,000–$75,000/year (varies by region, organization size, experience, MDiv/BCC certification).
• Benefits: health, retirement, PTO, CEU allowance.

Per Diem / PRN

• Hourly: $25–$45/hr (visits typically 30–60 min + documentation).
• Per visit: $50–$100/visit (less common).
• No benefits; flexibility for chaplain and agency.

Factors Influencing Pay

• Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) / APC certification.
• Advanced degrees (MDiv, DMin).
• CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) units.
• Language skills, veteran competency, pediatric specialty.
• Geographic cost of living.

Regulatory Note

Medicare Conditions of Participation (§418.76) require "spiritual counseling" by qualified personnel; don't mandate specific pay structure.