How much does a dancer make?
The median dancer in the United States earns N/A per year, about $23.97 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all dancers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 27-2031.
Dancer salary range
Pay for dancers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under N/A a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than N/A.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | N/A | $13.96 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | N/A | $16.83 | |
| Median (50th) | N/A | $23.97 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | N/A | $37.43 | |
| 90th percentile | N/A | $53.66 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for dancers (SOC 27-2031), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Job outlook for dancers
The BLS projects employment of dancers to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 13,800 jobs in 2025 moving toward 14,100 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,600 openings a year for dancers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a dancer
The typical entry-level education for dancers is no formal educational credential, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete long-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a dancer earns
Employer, market size, reputation, and whether the work is staff or freelance drive a wide pay spread. A small group of top earners pulls the high end of this field well up.
About 9,060 people work as dancers in the United States. At N/A a year, the job pays below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Dancer salary FAQ
How much does a dancer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a dancer is $23.97. The middle half of dancers earn between $16.83 and $37.43 per hour.
What is the highest dancer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of dancers earn more than N/A per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a dancer make a year?
The median annual salary for a dancer is N/A.
Is being a dancer a well paid job?
At N/A a year, a dancer earns below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 9,060 people work as dancers in the United States.
Is being a dancer a good career?
Employment of dancers is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a dancer?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for dancers as no formal educational credential, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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