Dance Careers: Jobs, Salaries, Degrees & How to Get Hired
How dance careers work in the United States — the training, the jobs and what they pay, using official federal wage data.
Pay at a glance (BLS, May 2025)
| Occupation | Median hourly | Median annual | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dancers | $24.80/hr | — | 8,130 |
| Choreographers | $26.59/hr | $55,310 | 2,860 |
| Dance & Self-Enrichment Teachers | $22.50/hr | $46,800 | 332,110 |
| Fitness & Dance-Fitness Instructors | $22.67/hr | $47,160 | 322,930 |
| Postsecondary Art, Drama & Music Teachers | — | $78,620 | 93,560 |
Career guides
How to Become a Professional Dancer
Training timeline, education options, auditions, unions, pay and the real day-to-day of a dance career in the US.
CareersHow to Become a Choreographer
Skills, education, building a portfolio, getting commissions and what choreographers earn — with BLS wage data by state.
CareersHow to Become a Dance Teacher
Teaching in studios vs. K-12 schools, certifications (RAD, Cecchetti, ABT, NDEO), pay data and how to get hired.
BusinessHow to Open a Dance Studio
Business plan, location, flooring, insurance, music licensing, pricing and enrollment — a practical checklist.
EducationChoosing a College Dance Program (BFA vs. BA)
How to compare dance majors — BFA vs BA, auditions, accreditation (NASD), cost and outcomes — with IPEDS data for every school.
CareersHow to Prepare for a Dance Audition
What to bring, what to wear, how to learn combinations fast and what directors look for.