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Church Accompanist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requirements The Church Accompanist will be expected to fulfill the following duties on a regular and as-needed basis: * Accompany the cantor, choir, and/or congregation on piano or organ for one ...

St James the Greater Catholic Church in Hopewell, Virginia is seeking a skilled and dedicated Accompanist to support our parish's English music ministry. The accompanist will provide instrumental ...

Description St James the Greater Catholic Church in Hopewell, Virginia is seeking a skilled and dedicated Accompanist to support our parish's English music ministry. The accompanist will provide ...

Description St James the Greater Catholic Church in Hopewell, Virginia is seeking a skilled and dedicated Accompanist to support our parish's English music ministry. The accompanist will provide ...

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Andrews Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) of Taylors, SC is seeking a part-time accompanist, with an average time commitment of less than 10 hours per week (which includes individual preparation time)

Pianist/Accompanist

Lee, NH ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Lee Church Congregational, UCC, in Lee is an Open and Affirming congregation in the Seacoast area of NH with diverse music interests, seeking a skilled Pianist/Accompanist to support the music life ...

Pianist/Accompanist

Lee, NH ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Lee Church Congregational, UCC, in Lee is an Open and Affirming congregation in the Seacoast area of NH with diverse music interests, seeking a skilled Pianist/Accompanist to support the music life ...

Choral Accompanist

Greenville, IL ยท On-site

$29K - $88K/yr

Description Part-time accompanist beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. Accompany the College ... Greenville was founded in 1892 and is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church yet draws students ...

Choral Accompanist

Greenville, IL ยท On-site

$29K - $88K/yr

Description Part-time accompanist beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. Accompany the College ... Greenville was founded in 1892 and is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church yet draws students ...

Choral Accompanist

Greenville, IL ยท On-site

$29K - $88K/yr

Part-time accompanist beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. Accompany the College Choral ... Greenville was founded in 1892 and is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church yet draws students ...

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Church Accompanist information

See salary details

$23.5K

$37.7K

$51K

How much do church accompanist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for church accompanist in the United States is $37,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $41,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a church accompanist?

Church accompanists are musicians, typically pianists or organists, who provide instrumental support during worship services, ceremonies, and choir performances. Their role is to enhance congregational singing, accompany choirs or soloists, and help create a reverent atmosphere during religious events. Church accompanists often work closely with music directors and pastors to select appropriate music and ensure smooth transitions throughout the service. They may also rehearse with vocalists or instrumental ensembles before the main service. Strong sight-reading skills and adaptability are important qualities for this position.

What are some common challenges a church accompanist may face during services and rehearsals?

Church Accompanists often need to adapt quickly to last-minute changes, such as unexpected hymn selections or tempo adjustments requested by the choir director or pastor. Balancing the needs of vocalists, instrumentalists, and congregational singing requires strong listening skills and flexibility. Additionally, accompanists frequently work with volunteers of varying musical abilities, so patience and clear communication are essential. Over time, these experiences can help develop strong sight-reading and collaboration skills, which are valuable for career growth in church music ministries.

What is the difference between Church Accompanist vs Church Musician?

AspectChurch AccompanistChurch Musician
CredentialsMusic proficiency, possibly piano/organ certificationsMusic proficiency, often with additional musical education
Work EnvironmentChurch services, rehearsals, special eventsChurch services, choir accompaniment, music planning
Employer & Industry UsageReligious institutions, churchesReligious institutions, churches
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Church Accompanist and a Church Musician lies in their roles. A Church Accompanist primarily provides instrumental support during services, focusing on playing piano or organ. A Church Musician may have a broader role, including directing choirs, selecting music, and overseeing overall music programs. Both roles require musical skills and are integral to church worship, but the Church Accompanist typically specializes in accompaniment, while the Church Musician often has additional responsibilities in music leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a church accompanist?

To thrive as a Church Accompanist, you need strong piano or organ proficiency, sight-reading ability, and a solid understanding of liturgical music, often supported by formal music education or church experience. Familiarity with hymnals, music notation software, and audio equipment is typically required. Excellent collaboration, adaptability, and communication skills help you work seamlessly with clergy, choir members, and soloists. These skills ensure high-quality musical support that enhances worship and fosters a cohesive church environment.
More about Church Accompanist jobs
What cities are hiring for Church Accompanist jobs? Cities with the most Church Accompanist job openings:
What states have the most Church Accompanist jobs? States with the most job openings for Church Accompanist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Church Accompanist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Church Accompanist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Church Accompanist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,714 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

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Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, Missouri, invites talented and dedicated musicians to apply for the role of Church Accompanist. This part-time position plays a vital and cherished role in the parish's liturgical life, supporting the Music Ministry in leading the faithful in prayerful, reverent worship through music.

Requirements

ย ย The Church Accompanist will be expected to fulfill the following duties on a regular and as-needed basis:

  • Accompany the cantor, choir, and/or congregation on piano or organ for one weekend Mass per week, providing confident and liturgically appropriate musical support throughout the celebration.
  • Prepare and rehearse all assigned liturgical music thoroughly in advance of each Mass, including hymns, Mass settings, and the responsorial psalm.
  • Arrive prior to the start of Mass to allow adequate time for warm-up, instrument preparation, and any final coordination with the Music Director or Cantor.
  • Support special Masses and liturgical events - including but not limited to Christmas, Easter, and holy days of obligation- on a mutually agreed-upon, as-needed basis.
  • Maintain a professional, ย collaborative, and service-oriented attitude in all interactions with parish staff, volunteers, and parishioners.

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications. We encourage all interested musicians to apply, even if not every qualification is fully met.


Required

  • Proficiency in piano and/or pipe organ, with the ability to accompany liturgical music at a skilled level.
  • Ability to sight-read choral and hymn music reliably and competently.
  • Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and commitment to consistent attendance and preparation.
  • Ability to sing and play together for rehearsal and liturgy is a plus
  • Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with music staff, volunteer choir members, and cantors.
  • Ability to uphold and respect the values of the Catholic church and Good Shepherd Parish.ย 

Preferred

  • Prior experience accompanying liturgical or choral music in a Catholic setting
  • Familiarity with the structure of the Catholic Mass and with liturgical music repertoire, including common hymnals (e.g., Ritual Song 2nd Edition), Mass settings, and responsorial psalm resources.
  • Knowledge of the liturgical calendar and how music selections align with the seasons and solemnities of the Church year.

Schedule

This is a part-time, ministry-based position. The anticipated schedule is as follows:


Weekend Massย 

One Mass per weekend (primarily supporting the 5 pm Saturday and 7:30 Sunday Masses, multiple mass weekends may occur based on mutual availability of the accompanist and director of music).

Rehearsals

Rehearsals with the cantors and other instruments prior to each service.

Holy Days & Special Liturgies

Christmas, Easter, Holy Days, and other special celebrations by mutual agreement.

Funerals & Weddings

On an as-needed, mutually agreed-upon basis (additional compensation provided).