How much does a choreographer make?
Answer: A typical choreographer in the United States makes $55,310 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 3,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Choreographer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,090 | $55,310 | $138,630 | about 3,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can change with a choreographer’s experience and skills, location, and kind of employer, such as a school or performing arts company. Many choreographers are self-employed or part-time, so the number of jobs and hours worked can also matter.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a choreographer do?
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
What's a typical day like?
A choreographer tests dance ideas, then demonstrates the steps in a studio as dancers try them. During rehearsal, they adjust moves and formations and coach the dancers to perform safely.
How to get this job
In the US, take dance classes young, practice many styles, and perform; most choreographers start as dancers and learn to create routines. A high-school diploma is usual, and some employers prefer or require a dance degree.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like creating and helping and teaching.
Did you know?
Many US dancers stop performing in their late 30s because dancing is physically demanding, but they may keep working as choreographers, directors, or teachers.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/dancers-and-choreographers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2032.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY