Choreographers
SOC code 27-2032 · O*NET-SOC 27-2032.00 · Medium preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Choreographers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$55,310
a year
Hourly
$26.59
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$73,100
$35.14 per hour
Middle 50%
$41,600 – $75,710
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,090 – $138,630
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,860
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,090
- $16.39/hr
- 25th percentile
- $41,600
- $20.00/hr
- Median percentile
- $55,310
- $26.59/hr
- 75th percentile
- $75,710
- $36.40/hr
- 90th percentile
- $138,630
- $66.65/hr
What does a choreographer do?
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
- Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
- Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
- Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.
- Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.
- Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.
- Experiment with different types of dancers, steps, dances, and placements, testing ideas informally to get feedback from dancers.
- Seek influences from other art forms, such as theatre, the visual arts, and architecture.
How to become a choreographer
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 33% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)33%
- Post-Secondary Certificate19%
- Bachelor's Degree19%
- Less than a High School Diploma10%
Common questions
How much does a choreographer earn?
The national median is $55,310 a year. The full range runs from $34,090 at the 10th percentile to $138,630 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a choreographer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Learning Strategies3.6/5
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Fine Arts4.5/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Design3.1/5
- Communications and Media3.1/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Psychology2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Time Management.