Scale of Payment for Liturgical Musicians
In 2002, the then Office for Worship was asked to investigate the question of remuneration of liturgical musicians for their work in the Church. After consultation with various sources, this payment scale for 2002 is proposed for consideration.
In the following payment scale, different hourly rates are suggested, depending on the range of skills, experience and academic qualifications possessed by a liturgical musician. If the liturgical musician performs more than one function within a liturgy, they are to be remunerated accordingly. The liturgical musician is also to be remunerated for rehearsal time and time spent planning liturgies.
Levels A and B:
Musicians of proven performance ability, experience in liturgy and/or music and/or formal musical or liturgical qualifications. (The recommended minimum level for Levels A and B is Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Grade 6 or its equivalent).
Levels C and D:
Musicians with only a limited level of skill, with no experience or qualifications.
Recommended Hourly Rates of Remuneration:
Level A: 2 Functions $36.00 per hour (eg. as organist and choir leader/leader of song)
Level B: 1 Function $27.00 per hour (eg. as organist or choir leader or leader of song)
Level C: 2 Functions $27.00 per hour (eg. as organist and choir leader/leader of song)
Level D: 1 Function $20.00 per hour (eg. as organist or choir leader or leader of song)
Recommended Rates of Remuneration for Weddings and funerals:
Level A: Weddings 2 Functions $100.00 Funerals1 2 Functions $80.00
Level B: Weddings 1 Function $75.00 Funerals 1 Function $65.00
Level C: Weddings 2 Functions $70.00 Funerals 2 Functions $60.00
Level D: Weddings 1 Function $50.00 Funerals 1 Function $40.00
Further information pertaining to this suggested payment scale is available through the Archbishop's Office for Evangelisation. Comments on this scale can be directed to the AOFE, Thomas Carr Centre, 278 Victoria Pde, East Melbourne 3002. Tel: 9412 3324 or Fax: 9412 3330
1In local areas funeral directors may have certain set rates of payment. In such a case, negotiation with the funeral director may be required to ensure the appropriate remuneration of the liturgical musician.
All rates are GST Non-Inclusive
Musicians are reminded that they may need to supply Parishes with ABN numbers
All persons who are engaged in a part or full time position (music, admin. etc) by a Parish should be requested to complete a Taxation Declaration Statement in order to conform with the Income tax Legislation. If the position is of a temporary nature or the person/s are an entity or retired then GST may apply. The Procedure for GST is: a) to request a Tax Invoice from the entity/person who has carried out the agreed work, or b) a Taxation form stating that they are carrying out the agreed work as a part of their "Hobby", if they are doing the work as a hobby and they have completed the form GST does not apply.
If neither of the above are received, the procedure is to deduct the maximum rate of tax, i.e. 48.5% from the agreed payment.
Failure to comply with the above may result in a penalty from the Taxation Dept.