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Jazz Pianist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 22, 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 cities are hiring for Jazz Pianist jobs?

Cities with the most Jazz Pianist job openings:

What states have the most Jazz Pianist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Jazz Pianist jobs include:

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.

$100/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Church Pianist

Hours and schedule: Sunday Mornings between 10 AM and 12 PM, currently 35 Sundays in the fiscal year dates to be determined in collaboration with the minister/worship leader. 

Start date:  September 2026

Pay:  $100 per Sunday

In consultation with the Minister / worship leader for the Sunday service, the pianist will select prelude, offertory, and postlude music that is aligned with the theme of the service.  The pianist may make selections from a variety of musical styles, for example and not limited to classical, jazz, contemporary, pop, country, rhythm and blues, etc. 

The pianist also plays the hymns chosen for the service by the worship leader. 

Qualifications

Experience: church pianist experience helpful

Skills:  Ability to sight read music 

            Accomplished pianist

            Ability to sing an added bonus

UU Alignment: A strong understanding of (or willingness to learn about)

Unitarian Universalist values and principles, inclusive, welcoming

community practices.

We welcome people of all nationalities, disabilities, religion, creed, sexual and gender identity, race or veteran status to apply.