Choreographers
Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.
Is choreographers a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #358 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What choreographers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. choreographers earn between $41,600 and $75,710 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live choreographers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Advancement
Some dancers take on more responsibility if they are promoted to dance captain in musical theater companies. They lead rehearsals or work with less experienced dancers when the choreographer is not present.
Some dancers become choreographers. Dancers and choreographers also may become theater, film, or television producers and directors.
Important qualities
Athleticism. Successful dancers must have excellent balance, physical strength, and physical dexterity so that they can move their bodies without falling or losing their sense of rhythm.
Creativity. Dancers need artistic ability and creativity to express ideas through movement. Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create new and interesting dance routines.
Leadership skills. Choreographers must be able to direct a group of dancers to perform the routines that they have created.
Persistence. Dancers must commit to years of intense practice. They need to be able to accept rejection after auditions and to continue to practice for future performances. Choreographers must keep studying and creating new routines.
Physical stamina. Dancers are often physically active for long periods, so they must be able to rehearse for many hours without getting tired.
Teamwork. Most dance routines involve a group or pairs, so dancers must be able to work together to be successful.
Related occupations
How much do choreographers make?
The national median wage is $55,310 a year, with the middle half earning between $41,600 and $75,710 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is choreographers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #358 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +6.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a choreographer?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do choreographers earn the most?
Among states, New York pays the highest median ($173,100). Local pay for every state and metro is below.