Choreographer Salary 2025: $55,310 Median, 6% Growth, and How to Get Started

How much Choreographers earn

The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $73,100 for choreographers, which is higher than the median because a small number of high-earners pull the average up. Most choreographers work part-time or project-to-project, so the hourly equivalent of the median is roughly $27. That figure can double for choreographers who land Broadway tours, Hollywood films, or major commercial work.

Pay varies sharply by industry. Choreographers working for performing arts companies tend to earn around $50,000 to $60,000, while those in motion picture and video industries can exceed $100,000. Self-employed choreographers often set their own rates, which can range from $20 per hour for local recitals to $200 per hour for high-profile events.

• 10th percentile: $34,090
• 25th percentile: $43,000 (approx.)
• Median: $55,310
• 75th percentile: $80,000 (approx.)
• 90th percentile: $138,630

Pay by state

New York is in its own league: choreographers there average $173,100. That’s more than double the national mean and reflects the concentration of Broadway, TV, and fashion work. California follows at $75,000, then Minnesota at $74,810, Maryland at $69,140, and Ohio at $66,910.

At the low end, Florida pays $36,670, Illinois $34,560, and Utah $33,640. These states often have fewer large-scale productions or rely more on seasonal tourist shows.

How to become Choreographer

Most choreographers start as dancers. Formal training through dance studios, college programs, or professional apprenticeships is common, but a specific degree isn’t always required. Many choreographers hold a bachelor’s in dance or fine arts, while others gain experience in the industry through performing and assisting established choreographers.

The typical path: train in one or more dance styles (ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop) for years, then gain performance experience. After that, choreograph small pieces for student shows or local companies. Building a reputation leads to bigger opportunities. Some choreographers also take courses in business, costuming, or stage management to run their own projects.

• Train seriously in dance (ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, etc.)
• Perform professionally to understand stage dynamics
• Create a portfolio of choreography (video reels are key)
• Network in the local dance/theater scene
• Consider a BA or BFA in dance, but not mandatory
• Seek internships or assistant roles with established choreographers

Job outlook

The BLS projects 6.1% employment growth for choreographers from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 700 job openings each year, most of which come from the need to replace workers who leave the field or retire. The growth is driven by continued demand for live entertainment, streaming content, and dance in commercials and music videos.

Competition is stiff because many dancers also choreograph. However, choreographers who can work across multiple styles — or who specialize in a high-demand niche like hip-hop for commercial dance or choreography for fitness programs — will have an edge.

Frequently asked questions