Not all people who feel the call to serve choose to go into the clergy but instead choose to help the church through things such as music. However, how much does a church musician really make? Churches are always looking for musicians to play at services, accompany choirs and visit nursing homes to lead the residents in song. Below is some information to help you better understand the salaries for musicians in the church.
Musician Salaries
In 2016, the average musician earned $34.56 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But this figure doesn’t account for employer. Musicians hired by religious organizations earn an average wage was $35.20 an hour. A survey by Berklee College of Music provides a slightly different number, specifically for organists or pianists. As of 2012, the average wage was $100 per service. However, a full-time organist can make upwards of $110,000 a year.
Director Salaries
Music directors, on the other hand, earn an average of $29.15 an hour. This is less than an average musician, but these are usually full-time positions, so the annual earnings are usually higher. Church music directors, for example, earned an average of $25.50 an hour in 2016. The annual earnings, however, were $53,040. The same isn’t necessarily true for a church musician.
Contributing Factors
Though many musicians spend years learning their craft, a formal education is not usually required. Most churches hire musicians on a part-time basis. At a large church, with five services, a musician might earn $100 per service; that's $500 a week or $26,000 a year. Music directors, on the other hand, usually need a degree in music theory or conducting to get a job. Churches typically will pay more for that background.
Job Outlook
Through 2024, job opportunities musicians and music directors are expected to grow by at least 3 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slower than the average growth rate for all occupations, which is estimated at 7 percent. Nonprofit organizations, such as churches, rely heavily on donations to fund positions like musicians and music directors. If the economy is in a recession, people tend to give less, which can limit growth for both professions.
