Dancers
SOC code 27-2031 · O*NET-SOC 27-2031.00 · Medium preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Dancers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
—
a year
Hourly
$24.80
per hour
Average pay
—
$30.83 per hour
Middle 50%
— – —
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
— – —
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
8,130
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- —
- $14.88/hr
- 25th percentile
- —
- $17.23/hr
- Median percentile
- —
- $24.80/hr
- 75th percentile
- —
- $38.36/hr
- 90th percentile
- —
- $52.30/hr
What does a dancer do?
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Prepare pointe shoes, by sewing or other means, for use in rehearsals and performance.
- Study and practice dance moves required in roles.
- Harmonize body movements to rhythm of musical accompaniment.
- Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
- Perform in productions, singing or acting in addition to dancing, if required.
- Coordinate dancing with that of partners or dance ensembles.
- Develop self-understanding of physical capabilities and limitations, and choose dance styles accordingly.
- Perform classical, modern, or acrobatic dances in productions, expressing stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies.
How to become a dancer
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 45% 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)45%
- Less than a High School Diploma34%
- Post-Secondary Certificate14%
- Some College Courses7%
Common questions
Can you become a dancer 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 Listening3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Speaking2.9/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
- Active Learning2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Fine Arts4.5/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
- Transportation2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Time Management, Service Orientation.