Accompanist vs organist

The differences between accompanists and organists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an accompanist and an organist. Additionally, an organist has an average salary of $53,224, which is higher than the $52,645 average annual salary of an accompanist.

The top three skills for an accompanist include music theory, sight-read and piano performance. The most important skills for an organist are easter, music program, and church services.

Accompanist vs organist overview

	Accompanist	Organist
Yearly salary	$52,645	$53,224
Hourly rate	$25.31	$25.59
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	197	81
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	4	4

Accompanist vs organist salary

Accompanists and organists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Accompanist	Organist
Average salary	$52,645	$53,224
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $111,000	Between $26,000 And $106,000
Highest paying City	Hempstead, NY	-
Highest paying state	New York	-
Best paying company	Kern Community College District	-
Best paying industry	Education	-

Differences between accompanist and organist education

There are a few differences between an accompanist and an organist in terms of educational background:

	Accompanist	Organist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Music	Music
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Accompanist vs organist demographics

Here are the differences between accompanists' and organists' demographics:

	Accompanist	Organist
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 38.6% Female, 61.4%	Male, 60.0% Female, 40.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.6% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 6.2% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between accompanist and organist duties and responsibilities

Accompanist example responsibilities.

Provide solos for worship services, lead tenor section of adult choir
Chart chords for gospel choir songs.
Accompany individual voice, violin, and cello students.
Accompany cello, violin and piano students in competition, recital, workshop, and certification programs.
Perform in piano bars, cabarets, and clubs all over NYC, Off-Broadway, and in summer stock
Accompany solo singers during rehearsals and competitions.

Organist example responsibilities.

Manage entire music program, schedule ministers, concerts, and prayer services.
Create PowerPoint presentations, documents, and spreadsheets for daily workings of the church.
Supply music throughout Sunday morning services as well as week day bible study and outside fellowships.
Collaborate with teachers and directors to assist in learning and memorization.
Collaborate with teachers and directors to assist in learning and memorization.

Accompanist vs organist skills

Common accompanist skills

Music Theory, 18%
Sight-Read, 16%
Piano Performance, 16%
Singers, 8%
Piano Accompaniment, 8%
Musical Theatre, 7%

Common organist skills

Easter, 17%
Music Program, 15%
Church Services, 13%
Choral Music, 13%
Pianos, 10%
Catholic Church, 6%

Accompanist vs. similar jobs

Accompanist related careers

Accompanist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
Accompanist
Accompanist vs Organist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs