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Jazz Pianist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archdiocese of St. Louis

Pianist

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

Strong repertoire across classical, jazz, pop, or liturgical music (depending on event type ... Perform live piano music during events such as weddings, funerals, receptions, services, or ...

Archdiocese of St. Louis

Pianist

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

Strong repertoire across classical, jazz, pop, or liturgical music (depending on event type ... Perform live piano music during events such as weddings, funerals, receptions, services, or ...

Archdiocese of St. Louis

Pianist

Saint Charles, MO · On-site

Strong repertoire across classical, jazz, pop, or liturgical music (depending on event type ... Perform live piano music during events such as weddings, funerals, receptions, services, or ...

Kern High School District

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$2.3K/mo

MUST POSSESS THE SKILL TO EFFECTIVELY PLAY A VARIETY OF MUSICAL FORMS ON THE PIANO including classical, popular, jazz and folk music; successfully sight read, transpose, and improvise music ...

Kern High School District

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$2.2K/mo

MUST POSSESS THE SKILL TO EFFECTIVELY PLAY A VARIETY OF MUSICAL FORMS ON THE PIANO including classical, popular, jazz and folk music; successfully sight read, transpose, and improvise music ...

Kern High School District

Accompanist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$2.3K/mo

MUST POSSESS THE SKILL TO EFFECTIVELY PLAY A VARIETY OF MUSICAL FORMS ON THE PIANO including classical, popular, jazz and folk music; successfully sight read, transpose, and improvise music ...

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Jazz Pianist information

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$12

$26

$68

How much do jazz pianist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for jazz pianist in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a jazz pianist do?

A jazz pianist is a musician who specializes in playing piano music within the jazz genre. They perform solo or as part of a group, often improvising and interpreting jazz standards, original compositions, or other works in a jazz style. Jazz pianists need to have strong technical skills, a good sense of rhythm, and a deep understanding of jazz harmony and improvisation. They may work in live performance settings, recording studios, or as educators teaching aspiring musicians.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a jazz pianist?

To thrive as a Jazz Pianist, you need advanced piano technique, a strong grasp of jazz theory and improvisation, and often formal training or a music degree. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), notation software, and sound equipment is also valuable. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help set exceptional jazz pianists apart in ensemble and solo settings. These abilities are crucial for dynamic performance, effective communication with other musicians, and successful navigation of diverse musical environments.

What are the typical performance settings and collaborative opportunities for a jazz pianist?

Jazz pianists frequently perform in a variety of settings, such as jazz clubs, concert halls, restaurants, and private events. Collaboration is a key aspect of the role—they often work alongside other musicians in combos, big bands, or as accompanists for vocalists and instrumentalists. Building strong musical relationships and adapting to different group dynamics is essential, as improvisation and real-time interaction are central to jazz performance. Many jazz pianists also participate in recording sessions and may teach or lead workshops to supplement their careers.

What is the difference between Jazz Pianist vs Classical Pianist?

AspectJazz PianistClassical Pianist
Required CredentialsOften self-taught or with jazz-specific training, no formal degree requiredTypically holds a music degree or conservatory training in classical piano
Work EnvironmentPerforming in clubs, jazz festivals, recording studios, and live venuesPerforming in concert halls, orchestras, and recital settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in jazz bands, ensembles, and solo performancesPrimarily engaged in orchestras, chamber groups, and solo classical recitals

Jazz pianists focus on improvisation, swing rhythms, and jazz harmony, often performing in informal or live settings. Classical pianists emphasize precise technique, interpretation, and adherence to written scores, typically performing in formal concert environments. While both require high-level piano skills, their training, performance style, and industry usage differ significantly.

Do jazz pianists make a lot of money?

Jazz pianists' earnings vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of engagements they secure, such as performances, recordings, or teaching. While top-tier jazz pianists can earn substantial income through concerts and collaborations, many work as freelancers or in part-time roles with more modest pay. Income stability often depends on networking, reputation, and versatility in skills like improvisation and sight-reading.

How much does a jazz pianist make?

Jazz pianists' earnings vary based on experience, location, and performance type. On average, they may earn between $50 and $200 per hour for live performances, with annual income ranging from around $20,000 for part-time musicians to over $100,000 for those with established careers or touring schedules.

What jobs can a jazz pianist get?

A jazz pianist can find employment as a performer in jazz clubs, restaurants, hotels, and at private events such as weddings and parties. They may also work as session musicians, music teachers, or accompanists for vocalists and other instrumentalists, often requiring proficiency with sheet music and improvisation skills.
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What states have the most Jazz Pianist jobs?

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Jazz Pianist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jazz Pianist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,282 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

School Pianist

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET ASSOCIATION

San Francisco, CA

$42.86/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Title: School Pianist (Part-Time)
Department: School
Reports To: School Pianist Supervisor 
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt 
Compensation: $42.86 per hour for teaching, $31 per hour for meetings
Application Deadline: Open until filled 

Position Summary:

San Francisco Ballet School is seeking enthusiastic, collaborative pianists to provide live accompaniment for ballet classes throughout the School, including Children's Division, Pre-Ballet, Levels 1–8, the Adult Program, and community outreach programs. Previous ballet accompaniment experience is welcome but not required. Comprehensive mentorship and on-the-job training are provided for pianists with strong musical skills who are interested in developing as ballet accompanists. We welcome applicants from a variety of musical backgrounds who are excited to learn and grow in a collaborative environment.

Essential Responsibilities: 

  • Provide live piano accompaniment for ballet classes and outreach programs. • Work closely with faculty to support the musical and artistic needs of each class.
  • Adapt tempo, phrasing, dynamics, and musical style to match classroom instruction.
  • Improvise or modify music as appropriate for class exercises.
  • Create an engaging, supportive musical environment for students of all ages and levels.
  • Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to collaborate with faculty and fellow pianists.
  • Attend occasional meetings and training sessions as requested.

Qualifications:

  • Strong piano performance skills and solid overall musicianship.
  • Comfortable sight-reading and the ability to learn music efficiently.
  • Ability to improvise or adapt music is highly valued. Experience in jazz, church music, musical theatre, collaborative piano, or other improvisatory styles is encouraged.
  • Professional, dependable, collaborative, and eager to learn.
  • Willingness to receive coaching and develop ballet accompaniment skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience accompanying dance classes or other collaborative performance settings is helpful but not required.
  • Degree or current study in piano performance, collaborative piano, jazz studies, music education, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Work Schedule:

  • Part-time positions are available throughout the academic year, summer programs, and occasional community outreach activities. Classes are scheduled weekdays, evenings, and weekends, with assignments based on availability and the needs of the School.

Application Procedure

We prefer you apply online

NO CALLS, PLEASE

San Francisco Ballet Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse staff.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the positionin accordance withthe Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).

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