Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Entry requirements for dancers and choreographers vary. Dancers typically need formal training, and they develop their skills through years of practice. Choreographers usually need at least a high school diploma and experience as a dancer. Some employers may require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree. PayThe median hourly wage for choreographers was $26.59 in May 2025.The median hourly wage for dancers was $24.80 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median hourly wage for choreographers was $26.59 in May 2025.The median hourly wage for dancers was $24.80 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.
Work Environment
Part-time work is common for dancers and choreographers. Work schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Dancers’ jobs are often physically demanding. Travel may be required.
How to Become a Dancer or Choreographer
Entry requirements for dancers and choreographers vary. Dancers typically need formal training, and they develop their skills through years of practice. Choreographers usually need at least a high school diploma and experience as a dancer. Some employers may require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree.
Pay
The median hourly wage for choreographers was $26.59 in May 2025.
The median hourly wage for dancers was $24.80 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Part-time work is common for dancers and choreographers. Work schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Dancers’ jobs are often physically demanding. Travel may be required.
How to Become a Dancer or Choreographer
Entry requirements for dancers and choreographers vary. Dancers typically need formal training, and they develop their skills through years of practice. Choreographers usually need at least a high school diploma and experience as a dancer. Some employers may require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree.
Pay
The median hourly wage for choreographers was $26.59 in May 2025.
The median hourly wage for dancers was $24.80 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of dancers and choreographers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for dancers and choreographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dancers and choreographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dancers and choreographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about dancers and choreographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.