Dancer & Choreographer
Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.
What the job is
- The work
- Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.
BLS
Dancers and Choreographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- 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.
BLS
Dancers and Choreographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Athletic, disciplined performers who work well in a group and keep going after auditions.
- Career cluster
- Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (dancers and choreographers).
- Median pay
- $25.40 an hour (BLS publishes no annual wage for this job)
BLS
Dancers and Choreographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 18,600
- Typical entry
- Varies (see the routes)
- Training after hire
- Long-term on-the-job training
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +2%, which BLS calls "slower than average"
BLS
Dancers and Choreographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +400 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- 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.
BLS
Dancers and Choreographers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- In short
- Dancers typically need formal training, often starting young in classes after school or summer programs at dance studios or professional companies, and years of practice. Choreographers usually need at least a high school diploma and experience as a dancer. Some employers require or prefer a bachelor's in dance.
- License
- Not required
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Dancer or choreographer: training from a young age; choreographers start as dancers; some employers want a degree
See the roadmap
Route 1: Dance training from a young age · Route 2: Dancer → choreographer or dance teacher
More careers in Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 21 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.