Dance teachers work in private studios, public and private K–12 schools, colleges, gyms, community centers and senior centers. Requirements depend heavily on where you teach.
Dance & Self-Enrichment Teachers (SOC 25-3021), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025. Full salary data by state →
Private studios
Studio owners hire on technique, experience and teaching ability. Syllabus certifications — the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Cecchetti, ABT National Training Curriculum, or ballroom examinations from teacher organizations — make you more employable. BLS counts most studio teachers as Self-Enrichment Teachers.
K–12 public schools
Public schools require a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license. Some states issue a dance-specific license or endorsement; others license dance under physical education or theatre. Check your state's department of education.
Colleges and universities
University dance faculty usually hold an MFA (the terminal degree in dance) and a professional performing or choreographing record.
Skills that matter
Safe progressions and injury prevention, child development, classroom management, music for class and communication with parents. The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) offers professional development.
Pay by state
| State | Median hourly | Median annual | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $31.94/hr | $66,430 | 600 |
| New Hampshire | $28.79/hr | $59,880 | 1,820 |
| New York | $27.78/hr | $57,790 | 31,120 |
| Connecticut | $26.56/hr | $55,240 | 5,080 |
| Oregon | $25.86/hr | $53,790 | 5,580 |
| New Jersey | $25.85/hr | $53,780 | 13,380 |
| Vermont | $25.57/hr | $53,190 | 1,190 |
| Georgia | $25.15/hr | $52,320 | 10,030 |
| Hawaii | $24.98/hr | $51,960 | 1,730 |
| Maryland | $24.82/hr | $51,630 | 6,570 |
| South Dakota | $23.90/hr | $49,720 | 140 |
| California | $23.83/hr | $49,570 | 60,260 |
| Massachusetts | $23.77/hr | $49,430 | 11,950 |
| Virginia | $23.64/hr | $49,160 | 8,730 |
| Washington | $23.09/hr | $48,020 | 12,890 |
| Alaska | $22.94/hr | $47,710 | 190 |
| Nevada | $22.61/hr | $47,020 | 1,690 |
| Maine | $22.46/hr | $46,720 | 1,120 |
| Wyoming | $22.43/hr | $46,640 | 610 |
| New Mexico | $22.06/hr | $45,890 | 1,840 |
| Florida | $22.04/hr | $45,830 | 11,800 |
| Minnesota | $21.95/hr | $45,660 | 9,050 |
| Montana | $21.66/hr | $45,050 | 1,070 |
| West Virginia | $21.64/hr | $45,010 | 540 |
| Colorado | $21.50/hr | $44,710 | 9,700 |
| Illinois | $21.26/hr | $44,230 | 15,030 |
| Arizona | $21.21/hr | $44,110 | 2,330 |
| Utah | $20.95/hr | $43,580 | 5,180 |
| Missouri | $20.71/hr | $43,090 | 5,010 |
| Rhode Island | $20.17/hr | $41,960 | 1,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $20.07/hr | $41,740 | 15,270 |
| North Carolina | $20.05/hr | $41,710 | 9,320 |
| Kansas | $19.85/hr | $41,290 | 1,070 |
| Michigan | $19.40/hr | $40,350 | 7,190 |
| Kentucky | $19.23/hr | $39,990 | 1,630 |
| South Carolina | $19.14/hr | $39,800 | 3,430 |
| Mississippi | $18.64/hr | $38,770 | 690 |
| Tennessee | $18.62/hr | $38,730 | 3,530 |
| Alabama | $18.48/hr | $38,430 | 2,130 |
| Nebraska | $18.38/hr | $38,240 | 3,360 |
| Oklahoma | $18.28/hr | $38,010 | 2,710 |
| Wisconsin | $18.19/hr | $37,820 | 5,140 |
| Louisiana | $18.16/hr | $37,760 | 3,030 |
| Ohio | $17.96/hr | $37,360 | 8,860 |
| Indiana | $17.78/hr | $36,980 | 3,710 |
| Idaho | $17.54/hr | $36,490 | 2,190 |
| Texas | $17.38/hr | $36,140 | 16,680 |
| Puerto Rico | $17.36/hr | $36,110 | 880 |
| Iowa | $17.15/hr | $35,670 | 2,910 |
| North Dakota | $16.88/hr | $35,100 | 470 |
| Delaware | $16.70/hr | $34,730 | 260 |
| Arkansas | $14.81/hr | $30,810 | 900 |
FAQ
Do dance teachers need certification?
Studios do not legally require it, but many prefer syllabus-certified teachers. Public schools require a state teaching license.
Updated October 2026 · How we research