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Assistant Organist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Chapel Organist

Durham, NC · On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

As a member of the Duke University Chapel Music staff, the Assistant Chapel Organist participates in the musical leadership of Duke Chapel worship services, sacred concerts, and other events at Duke ...

Assistant Chapel Organist

Durham, NC · On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

As a member of the Duke University Chapel Music staff, the Assistant Chapel Organist participates in the musical leadership of Duke Chapel worship services, sacred concerts, and other events at Duke ...

St Mary Parish, 825 N Weaver, Gainesville The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the ... Organist for 5 and 11:15 weekend Masses and Holy Days of Obligation; to include organ voluntaries ...

New Hope Church of Norfolk is seeking a Church Musician to serve and assist the lead music director for the worship music ministry for New Hope services including in house and out. Job Requirements ...

New Hope Church of Norfolk is seeking a Church Musician to serve and assist the lead music director for the worship music ministry for New Hope services including in house and out. Job Requirements ...

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Assistant Organist information

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How much do assistant organist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant organist in the United States is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Organist during rehearsals and services?

Assistant Organists often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different musical styles, accompanying choirs with varying skill levels, and managing last-minute changes to musical selections. They must also collaborate closely with the Director of Music and other musicians to ensure seamless performances during services and special events. Time management and flexibility are essential, as the role may require balancing practice, rehearsal, and administrative duties within a dynamic church or institutional environment.

What are Assistant Organists?

Assistant Organists are musicians who support the main organist in a church, cathedral, or similar setting. Their responsibilities typically include playing the organ during services, assisting with choir rehearsals, and sometimes substituting for the principal organist when needed. They may also help select music, maintain the organ, and coordinate with other musicians. This role is often a stepping stone for those aiming to become principal organists in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Organist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Organist, you need advanced organ performance skills, music theory knowledge, and often a degree in music or organ performance. Familiarity with church liturgy, choral accompaniment, and proficiency in using digital sheet music or registration systems is typically required. Excellent sight-reading, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills help in collaborating with choirs, clergy, and other musicians. These abilities ensure high-quality musical support, smooth services, and a positive contribution to the worship environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Organist vs Associate Organist?

AspectAssistant OrganistAssociate Organist
CredentialsOrganist certification, music degreesSimilar credentials, often more experience
Work EnvironmentChurches, concert halls, schoolsSame as Assistant Organist, often with additional responsibilities
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, music organizationsSame as Assistant Organist, with higher expectations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Assistant Organist and an Associate Organist lies in experience and responsibilities. An Assistant Organist typically supports the primary organist, focusing on practice and performance assistance. An Associate Organist usually has more experience and may take on additional leadership roles, often overseeing other musicians or programs. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in similar work environments, but the Associate Organist position generally involves greater responsibility and recognition.

More about Assistant Organist jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Organist jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Organist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Organist jobs? The most popular types of Organist jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Organist jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Organist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Organist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Organist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Organist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 82% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,596 per year, or $19 per hour.
Assistant Chapel Organist

Assistant Chapel Organist

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Be You.
As a member of the Duke University Chapel Music staff, the Assistant Chapel Organist participates in the musical leadership of Duke Chapel worship services, sacred concerts, and other events at Duke Chapel. This half-time, salaried position reports to the Chapel Organist, and shares playing responsibilities with the full-time Chapel Organist and the Chapel Organ Scholar (a 10-month intern).
Be Bold.
Worship leadership - Provide musical leadership in half of the approximately 85 worship services held by Duke Chapel each calendar year. This total includes:
  • collaborative leadership of Sunday morning services during fall and spring academic terms, in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Chapel Organist and Organ Scholar;
  • collaborative leadership of festival and university services (such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter, Baccalaureates), in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Chapel Organist;
  • primary leadership of at least 5 "recess" Sundays (December; spring break; summer), in which the Assistant Chapel Organist serves as the sole organist for the service;
  • occasional support of bi-weekly Choral Evensong services during the academic year, in which playing responsibilities are shared with the Organ Scholar.

The schedule of services will be determined in coordination with Director of Chapel Music and the Chapel Organist. The Assistant Chapel Organist does not serve as the regular accompanist for Duke Chapel's choirs.
Concert performances- Contribute to and perform in up to 5 of the 15-20 concerts and recitals presented by Duke Chapel Music each academic year, and their attendant rehearsals.
Organ demonstrations - Manage the schedule of organ demonstrations during fall and spring academic terms. Organ demonstrations are performed by the Chapel's organists and an established roster of guest organists.
Meetings - Attend bi-monthly meetings of the Chapel Music staff. Regularly meet with the Chapel Organist and other members of the Chapel Music staff and Ministry staff as appropriate.
Other Duties - Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
This is a PART-TIME position
Required Qualifications at this Level:
Education/Training: Master's degree in sacred music or organ performance preferred, bachelor's degree in sacred music or organ performance required. Required demonstrable proficiencies include: hymn playing; leading congregational song from the keyboard; ability to perform organ repertoire appropriate for liturgical contexts; improvisation; transposition; solo and ensemble accompanying. Knowledge of varied bodies of repertoire (hymnody, organ repertoire) is also required.
Experience: A significant, documentable work history (minimum 5 years) in positions relevant/related to the field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Choose Duke.
Duke offers a collaborative work environment and a competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Job Code: 00002321 PROGRAM COORD
Job Level: 10
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $44,766.00 to USD $71,706.00 for a full time FTE. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity withoutregard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community havea responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US