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Church Organist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reliant

Michigan State - Riverview Church

Holt, MI

We're excited that you are considering joining us at Riverview Church through Reliant! Reliant is a faith-based nonprofit that partners with missional churches and Gospel-centered nonprofits to ...

Ladgov Corporation

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel ... Strong knowledge of Catholic liturgy and Church calendar. Powered by JazzHR ydsn8IjuPN

Archdiocese of Detroit

Organist

Hamtramck, MI

... Church. · Demonstrates deep knowledge of the Roman Catholic Mass, liturgical music styles, and an understanding of the ministerial function of music in the Sacred Liturgy. · Ability to sing Polish ...

Archdiocese of Detroit

Organist

Hamtramck, MI · On-site

... of Apostles, the organist is responsible for the selection, preparation, and execution of ... Catholic Church. • Demonstrates deep knowledge of the Roman Catholic Mass, liturgical music ...

Ladgov Corporation

Roman Catholic Director of Music / Organist-Pianist Position Overview The Roman Catholic Director ... Previous experience serving as a church musician, music director, accompanist, or worship leader.

Anglican Church in North America

Rector

Greensboro, NC · On-site

Church of the Redeemer, an Anglican church located in Greensboro, NC, is a parish of the Diocese of Christ our Hope in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Church of the Redeemer began in ...

Lee College

Adjunct - Organ Instructor

Baytown, TX · On-site

$34.03 - $51.04/hr

Experience as a professional church organist, pianist, or music director. Preferred: * Prior online teaching experience and certification * Blackboard Learning Management System experience Lee ...

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Church Organist information

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$49K

$53.4K

$57K

How much do church organist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for church organist in the United States is $53,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $55,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a church organist do?

A Church Organist is responsible for playing the organ during religious services, ceremonies, and special church events. Their main duties include accompanying congregational singing, providing music before, during, and after services, and sometimes leading or working with choirs. In addition to performance, they may select appropriate music, rehearse with singers or musicians, and maintain the organ. Church Organists play a vital role in enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and supporting the worship experience. They often work closely with clergy and other music staff to plan musical elements for services.

What does a church organist do?

A church organist plays the organ during religious services and church events. In addition to your performance duties, you practice during the work week and rehearse with other music group members such as a choir, singers, or other instrument players. Your responsibilities include working with other church members and clergy to select the music to play for each service or event. You practice these songs before each service. You also ensure the organ functions correctly and coordinate repairs or maintenance if necessary. This position can be either part time or full time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a church organist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Church Organist, you need advanced keyboard proficiency, strong sight-reading abilities, and a solid understanding of liturgical music, often supported by a degree in music or equivalent experience. Familiarity with traditional pipe organs, digital organs, and music notation software is typically required. Excellent time management, adaptability, and collaborative communication with clergy and choir members are vital soft skills. These abilities are crucial for providing high-quality musical accompaniment that enhances worship services and supports the spiritual atmosphere.

What are some common challenges church organists face in balancing rehearsals, services, and collaboration with other musicians?

Church organists often juggle multiple responsibilities, including preparing music for weekly services, attending rehearsals with choirs or ensembles, and sometimes coordinating with clergy on service planning. A common challenge is managing time efficiently to ensure all music is prepared and rehearsed, especially when there are special events or services. Collaboration with other musicians and adapting to various musical styles can also require strong communication and flexibility. Building good relationships with choir directors, vocalists, and church leadership helps create a supportive environment and smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Church Organist vs Choir Director?

AspectChurch OrganistChoir Director
CredentialsMusic degree or organ certification often preferredMusic degree, conducting certification, or choir training
Work EnvironmentChurch sanctuary, music roomsChurch sanctuary, choir rehearsal spaces
Employer & IndustryReligious institutions, churchesReligious institutions, churches
Primary RolePlaying the organ or piano during servicesLeading, rehearsing, and directing the choir

While both roles are integral to church music, the Church Organist primarily focuses on playing instruments during services, whereas the Choir Director leads and manages the choir. Both positions require musical expertise and often overlap in the church setting, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Do church organists get paid?

Church organists are often paid for their services, especially if they are employed full-time or part-time by a church. Compensation can vary based on the church's size, location, and the organist's experience, and may include a salary, stipend, or honorarium. Many church organists also perform additional duties such as choir accompaniment and music planning.

Is there a shortage of church organists?

There is a moderate demand for church organists, especially in communities with active congregations and traditional services. However, shortages can occur in certain areas or for specialized skills such as playing pipe organs or reading complex music, making experience and certification valuable for job seekers.
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Church Organist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Church Organist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,383 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Bilingual Organist & Choir Director

Archdiocese Of Hartford Catholic Schools

New Haven, CT • On-site

$30K/yr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description
Blessed Michael McGivney Parish is seeking a talented and dedicated Organist & Choir Director to serve the faith community of St. Francis Church in New Haven. The successful candidate will possess exceptional musical ability, a strong understanding of Catholic liturgy and sacred music, and a collaborative spirit. This individual will lead and develop the church music ministry while supporting meaningful and prayerful worship through music.
Requirements
Essential Functions
  • Serve as principal organist for the Sunday 9:30 AM Mass.
  • Play the historic 1874 Hook pipe organ during liturgical celebrations.
  • Direct, recruit, and foster the English-language choir for the 9:30 AM Mass.
  • Plan and prepare music appropriate to the liturgical seasons in collaboration with the Pastor and Director of Music and Liturgy
  • Work collaboratively with the directors of the Spanish-language choirs serving the 11:00 AM Mass.
  • Provide musical guidance and support to the Spanish-language choir directors and singers.
  • Play the organ at appropriate times during the Sunday 11:00 AM Mass.
  • Assist with music for Holy Days, Triduum, Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies as needed.
  • Participate in parish-wide musical events and collaborate with other music ministries throughout Blessed Michael McGivney Parish as opportunities arise.
  • Maintain a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative environment for clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners.

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated proficiency in organ performance, preferably with experience playing a historic 1874 Hook pipe organ.
  • Experience directing choirs and working with volunteer musicians.
  • Thorough knowledge of Catholic liturgy and sacred music, including both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, parish staff, volunteers, and fellow musicians.
  • Must be bilingual in Spanish and English

Schedule
  • St. Francis - 9:00 a.m. Bilingual Mass (beginning in August 2026; the current 9:30 a.m. Mass will change to 9:00 a.m.)
  • St. Francis - 11:00 a.m. Spanish Mass
  • St. Anthony - 1:00 p.m. Spanish Mass
  • Choir rehearsals
  • Holy Days of Obligation
  • Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgical celebrations as scheduled.

Compensation
  • Approximately $30,000 annually. Pay is 150.00 per mass, 150.00 per rehearsal.

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