AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
SALARY GUIDE FOR MUSICIANS
EMPLOYED BY RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

Salary Guide Salary Guide and information in PDF Format.

OTHER FEES

• The range of fees are for musicians with degrees in organ or church music or AGO certification.
• Fees vary regionally. The lowest figures reflect smaller, rural areas of the country.
• Fees will also vary based on training, experience, availability, responsibility, and dates required.

SUBSTITUTE MUSICIANS

• Single service (organist only or director only, no separate rehearsal), $100-$225
• Additional services (organist or director only) not requiring additional preparation, $50-$125
• Single service (organist-director combination, no separate rehearsal), $150-$275
• Additional services (organist-director combination) not requiring additional preparation, $75-$175
• Rehearsal fees range from $25-$100/hour, depending on whether the substitute is organist only, director only, or organist-director combination and the preparation required
• The current, federally approved business standard mileage rate for reimbursement of business travel is charged if visits to church for practice, rehearsal, and service exceed 20 miles per round trip.
• The charge for contracting singers/instrumentalists is $15-$35/person hired.

WEDDINGS

• Service fees are $100-$350 (service only)
• Wedding rehearsal with bridal party is $50-$100/hour.
• Additional rehearsals are $30-$50/hour.
• The current, federally approved business standard mileage rate for reimbursement of business travel is charged if visits to church for practice, rehearsal, and service exceed 20 miles per round trip.
• The charge for contracting singers/instrumentalists is $15-$35/person hired.

FUNERALS

• Service fees are $100-$225 (service only)
• Rehearsals $25-$100/hour, depending on the difficulty of the music and the participation of choirs, soloists, or instrumentalists.
• The current, federally approved business standard mileage rate for reimbursement of business travel is charged if visits to church for practice, rehearsal, and service exceed 20 miles per round trip.
• The charge for contracting singers/instrumentalists is $15-$35/person hired.

NOTE: Occasionally churches or synagogues will hire musicians as independent contractors instead of employees. According to the IRS, workers are generally considered employees if they:

• Must comply with the employer's instructions about the work.
  
• Receive training from or at the direction of the employer.
  
• Provide services that are integrated into the business.
  
• Provide services that must be rendered personally.
  
• Are aided by assistants who are hired, supervised, and paid by the employer.
  
• Have a continuing working relationship with the employer.
  
• Must follow set hours of work.
  
• Work full-time for an employer.
  
• Do their work on the employer's premises.
  
• Must do their work in a sequence set by the employer.
  
• Must submit regular reports to the employer.
  
• Receive payments of regular amounts at set intervals.
  
• Receive payments for business travel expenses.
  
• Rely on the employer to furnish tools and materials.
  
• Lack a major investment in the facilities or equipment used to perform the services.
  
• Cannot make a profit or suffer a loss from their services.
  
• Work for one employer at a time.
  
• Do not offer their services to the general public.
  
• Can be fired by the employer.
  
• May quit work at any time without incurring liability.
  

According to these guidelines, the majority of church and synagogue musicians are employees.