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Dancers

Typical education: High school diplomaLower pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.

Kinds of work

  • Artistic: Creating, designing and expressing ideas through art, writing, music or performance.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $51,584 Median per year · $24.80/hr

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Monitor the field of dance to remain aware of current trends and innovations.
  • Prepare pointe shoes, by sewing or other means, for use in rehearsals and performance.
  • Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.
  • Audition for dance roles or for membership in dance companies.
  • Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
  • Attend costume fittings, photography sessions, and makeup calls associated with dance performances.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
2% more jobs by 2035, slower than average · about 1,600 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Self-employed (their own business)40.7%
  • Drinking places (alcoholic beverages)15.6%
  • Spectator sports6.4%
  • Other schools and instruction4.3%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 3 months

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: 1 to 3 monthsEntry-level

Dancing is an entry-level job. Many people start with a high school diploma plus dance training, and a first job can come within a few months of auditioning. Keep in mind that paid dance work is often competitive and can be irregular, so many dancers also teach or take other jobs.

  1. High school diploma with regular dance classes

    4 years

    Finish high school while taking as many dance classes as you can, which builds technique and gives you a record of your training.

  2. Pre-professional dance training or company apprenticeship

    1-3 months

    Take intensive training, workshops, or an apprenticeship and prepare for auditions, which is how most dancers get their first real performing experience.

  3. Dancer

    Ongoing

    Perform in stage shows, on broadcasts, or in video work with a company or production, and keep training to stay in demand.

Where it can lead

  1. Dance Teacher

    2-5 years of performing and training of experience first

    Teaching classes for students of all ages is a common move for dancers, and it can add steady work between performing jobs.

  2. Choreographer

    4 to 6 years of experience first

    Choreographers create the dances themselves, which requires years of experience performing and a strong portfolio of work.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Join your school's dance team or drama clubPerforming in front of an audience builds confidence and stage experience you can list on an audition resume.
  • Take dance classes at a local studioRegular training in several styles builds the technique that auditions and companies look for.
  • Take physical education and music or theater classesStrength, flexibility, and rhythm training support dancing, and drama or music classes help with stage presence.
  • Attend local performances and workshopsWatching professional shows and taking summer intensives or community workshops shows you how the field works.
  • Get a starter job that fits your scheduleA part-time job, such as at a retail store or a summer camp, teaches reliability and can help pay for classes.

In college

  • Major in dance or take dance courses alongside another majorA dance degree or minor gives structured training, and general classes keep other career options open if performing work is uneven.
  • Audition for a university dance companyCampus companies give you performance experience and connections with choreographers and faculty.
  • Volunteer or work as a dance instructorTeaching younger students builds skills that help with dance teaching jobs and makes you a stronger performer.
  • Take anatomy, nutrition, or first aid coursesKnowing how the body moves and recovers helps you prevent injuries and stay healthy through a demanding career.
  • Join a student performing arts group or campus showParticipating in shows, competitions, or student-run productions gives you real stage experience and a portfolio for auditions.

Tips for getting started

  • Take as many different dance styles as you can, such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop, because productions often want versatile dancers.
  • Build a short video reel of your best performances or class work, since many auditions ask for one.
  • Stay physically healthy with good rest, stretching, and injury prevention, because your body is your main tool.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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