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Substitute Organist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LADGOV CORPORATION

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Provide substitutes when unable to perform. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel. * Minimum 4+ years organ performance ...

Holy Cross School

Organist/Keyboardist

Lyman, ME · On-site

Good Shepherd Parish seeks an organist/keyboardist for the 4:00pm Saturday Mass in one of two ... Opportunities are also available as a substitute if desired at our other Parish sites. This ...

Good Shepherd Parish

Organist/Keyboardist

Lyman, ME · On-site

Good Shepherd Parish seeks an organist/keyboardist for the 4:00pm Saturday Mass in one of two ... Opportunities are also available as a substitute if desired at our other Parish sites. This ...

Ladgov Corporation

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Provide substitutes when unable to perform. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel. * Minimum 4+ years organ performance ...

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Ladgov Corporation

Catholic Organist

Quantico, VA · On-site

Provide substitutes when unable to perform. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum 5+ years current experience as a Catholic organist in a parish or military chapel. * Minimum 4+ years organ performance ...

St James Cathedral Church

Music Director

Orlando, FL

Arranges for qualified substitute organist or pianist when absent. Arranges for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To ...

St James Cathedral Church

Music Director

Orlando, FL

Arranges for qualified substitute organist or pianist when absent. Arranges for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To ...

Diocese of Orlando

Music Director

Orlando, FL · On-site

... substitute organist or pianist when absent. • Arranges for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job ...

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Substitute Organist information

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How much do substitute organist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute organist in the United States is $16.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Organist, you need strong proficiency in organ performance, sight-reading, and a solid understanding of liturgical or concert repertoire, often supported by formal music education or certifications like the AGO (American Guild of Organists) certification. Familiarity with various types of organs, church music software, and service planning tools is typically required. Excellent adaptability, punctuality, and communication skills help you integrate quickly with different congregations and musical teams. These skills ensure seamless musical leadership and maintain the quality and continuity of worship or events when the regular organist is unavailable.

What is the difference between Substitute Organist vs Church Musician?

AspectSubstitute OrganistChurch Musician
CredentialsOrgan certification or experience, sometimes music degreesMusic degree or church music certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPerforms during services as needed, often in churches or religious institutionsRegularly involved in planning, rehearsals, and leading music in church services
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churchesReligious organizations, churches, and sometimes schools
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for temporary or substitute rolesSeeking full-time or regular church music positions

The main difference between a Substitute Organist and a Church Musician is that the Substitute Organist performs temporarily or as needed, often filling in for the regular organist. In contrast, a Church Musician typically has a more ongoing, regular role involving planning and leading music during church services. Both roles require similar credentials, but their job scope and employment stability differ.

What are some common challenges faced by substitute organists when joining a new congregation or venue?

Substitute organists often face the challenge of quickly adapting to unfamiliar instruments and varying acoustics in each new venue. They may have limited rehearsal time to become comfortable with the organ’s layout and settings. Additionally, understanding the specific liturgical requirements, musical preferences, and coordinating smoothly with choirs or other musicians can be demanding. Flexibility, strong sight-reading skills, and effective communication with staff and congregants are essential for a smooth transition.

What are substitute organists?

Substitute organists are musicians who temporarily fill in for regular organists during services, concerts, or events when the primary organist is unavailable. They may work in churches, synagogues, or other venues that require organ music, and are expected to be proficient in playing the organ, sight-reading, and sometimes accompanying choirs or soloists. Substitute organists often need to adapt quickly to different instruments, worship styles, and repertoires, making flexibility and reliability essential qualities for the role.
More about Substitute Organist jobs
What job categories do people searching Substitute Organist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Organist jobs are:
Substitute Organist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substitute Organist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 3% Physical, 27% Hybrid, and 70% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,721 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Substitute Organist

Substitute Organist

Archdiocese of St. Louis

Saint Charles, MO

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area.  Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Job Summary

St. Peter Catholic Church in St. Charles is seeking a faith-filled, skilled, and dependable Substitute Organist/Accompanist to provide musical leadership and accompaniment for liturgies, rehearsals, and other parish music ministry needs on an as-needed basis. The ideal candidate possesses strong keyboard performance skills, experience supporting congregational singing, and a commitment to enhancing the prayerful and reverent celebration of the liturgy through sacred music.

Job Responsibilities
  • Serve as organist and/or accompanist for weekend Masses, holy days, funerals, weddings, and other liturgical celebrations as needed.
  • Accompany choir rehearsals, cantor rehearsals, and special music events when requested.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Music Ministry, cantors, choir members, and parish staff to support effective liturgical music planning and execution.
  • Lead and support congregational singing with confidence, sensitivity, and appropriate musical interpretation.
  • Provide accompaniment for hymns, psalms, service music, and other liturgical repertoire.
  • Adapt to varying musical and liturgical needs while maintaining a prayerful, reverent atmosphere.
  • Arrive prepared and on time for all assigned liturgies and rehearsals.
Job Requirements
  • Proficiency in organ and/or piano performance required.
  • Previous experience accompanying choirs, cantors, or liturgical ensembles preferred.
  • Knowledge of Catholic liturgy, liturgical seasons, and traditional Catholic hymnody required.
  • Strong sight-reading and accompaniment skills preferred.
  • Reliable, flexible, and able to respond to occasional scheduling needs.
  • Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
  • Practicing Catholic preferred.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.  
 
Pre-Employment Screening 
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening. 

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