what's the going rate?

[Organiste]

What are the rates for salaried organists these days in the US?

I realize they can vary widely according to level of expertise, region and church and I am looking for feedback from a variety of professionals.

Many thanks!

Organiste

[Dorsetmike]

Might help if we knew which country you're in.

[Organiste]

Sorry, should have specified I'm in the US.

[Corno Dolce]

Welcome aboard Organiste,

Salaries/wages/hourly rates can and do vary...If, for example you have an MM degree in organ you might be able to land a good position at a major congregation with an excellent music program that can offer @ $75,000-$100,000/year. However, be prepared do negotiations in regards to pay/vacation/medical-dental packages. It can so widely vary from metropolis to city and everything in between and also what denomination the Church is a part of.

Cheers,

CD

[Organiste]

Is that for an organist only, or an organist plus choir director, or music director? I'm interested in organist only.

[Krummhorn]

The American Guild of Organists publishes their guidelines (see attachment below) for salary ranges. This list is based upon what degrees one has and not on their qualifications or years of service.

In my own case, I am part-time ... I am the accompanist for all choirs, and the organist for any and all church services. I am also in charge of all instrumental maintenance (handbells, piano & organ care) ... Weddings and Funerals are extra, usually paid by the family.

[QFE]

Krummhorn, I think I'll be moving to the States ;-). Weddings and funerals are quite well paid in the UK (about $100) but Sunday services, for me, are about $35. I think that the argument is that you are amember of the congregation, therefore any payment is more of a 'thank you' rather than a fee for a professional musician. Even in the bigger cathedral churches here, the organist/MD seems to have to do many other things to earn a crust.

[Krummhorn]

Krummhorn, I think I'll be moving to the States ;-).

Great ...

. . . but Sunday services, for me, are about $35. I think that the argument is that you are a member of the congregation, therefore any payment is more of a 'thank you' rather than a fee for a professional musician.

In some places, sadly this is true. Fortunately, I do no have that situation in my own parish, where I am also a member. My salary is based upon my experience level and competence as an organist.

Being as there is no state church in the US, each congregation must raise enough funds to pay for clergy and musicians as well as their own grounds maintenance and instrument upkeep.

Last year, every staff member, including the pastor, took a 4% cut in salary. For 2011, all salaries are frozen. I've been the organist at this church for 28 years and up until last year, received a 3% raise each year, so I really can't complain much.

My current rate is about $83 (USD) per church service, and that is pretty good for a 450 member church. For funerals, I get between $75 and $150 depending on the complexity of music (soloists, special music preparation, etc). Weddings usually fetch $125 in this region.

[Mark DeAlba]

My current rate is about $83 (USD) per church service, and that is pretty good for a 450 member church.

I'm pretty sure I have about the best job in the country then. My church gets around 50-75 people per service, and I make $125. Simply for playing the service, not even a choir rehearsal

Mark

[wljmrbill]

I would say you are doing quite well. Hang on to that job.

[Krummhorn]

I'm pretty sure I have about the best job in the country then. My church gets around 50-75 people per service, and I make $125. Simply for playing the service, not even a choir rehearsal

Mark

Nice deal there . Some parts of the country do pay higher rates for organists ... I happen to be in one of the low pay regions.

I wonder what this organist earns for playing at weddings:

+ YouTube Video

[Dorsetmike]

Ouch, painful! I would suggest he gets paid more to stay away from the organ. (has to be a well loved relative of the bride)

[QFE]

Just goes to show how ruthless the pipes are in revealing poor preparation, technique and confidence. Thank heavens the organ didn't have a tuba...

[teddy]

Thanks for the clip Lars. I know there is hope for me now.

teddy

[astazou]

Well, he/she is 85 years old. Add a bit out of practice, and there we go.