Choreographer Salary
Choreographers earn a median $55,310 a year nationally. Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
What choreographers do
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +3.1% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 600
- Self-employed
- 40%
Employment of choreographers is projected to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 600 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Choreographer take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$4,457
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,429
- Medicare (1.45%)$802
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$46,622
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,090 | $16.39 | $29,571 |
| 25th percentile | $41,600 | $20.00 | $35,606 |
| Median (50th) | $55,310 | $26.59 | $46,622 |
| 75th percentile | $75,710 | $36.40 | $62,092 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $138,630 | $66.65 | $106,020 |
Choreographer salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $173,100 | +84.0% | $120,407 | $48,470 – $239,200+ | 340 |
| California | $75,000 | +22.3% | $57,830 | $42,990 – $138,630 | 410 |
| Minnesota | $74,810 | — | $57,895 | $41,600 – $87,360 | 40 |
| Maryland | $69,140 | +6.7% | $54,549 | $59,320 – $75,760 | 80 |
| Ohio | $66,910 | +6.3% | $54,844 | $41,230 – $81,780 | 120 |
| Louisiana | $51,170 | +14.0% | $42,146 | $43,940 – $61,730 | 210 |
| Nebraska | $49,490 | — | $40,573 | $48,450 – $73,740 | 60 |
| Texas | $46,460 | +4.0% | $39,511 | $32,810 – $62,130 | 380 |
| Indiana | $44,840 | — | $36,916 | $41,740 – $82,280 | — |
| South Dakota | $40,320 | +5.5% | $34,577 | $27,300 – $64,430 | 250 |
| Alabama | $38,990 | +3.8% | $31,824 | $35,550 – $49,080 | 30 |
| Florida | $36,670 | +4.0% | $31,644 | $31,310 – $64,550 | 180 |
| Illinois | $34,560 | +9.5% | $28,383 | $31,200 – $35,890 | 30 |
| Utah | $33,640 | −10.8% | $28,662 | $28,140 – $69,330 | 60 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach and Scout | $47,320 | Bachelor's degree | +6.1% |
| Athlete and Sports Competitor | $66,710 | No formal educational credential | +5.5% |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $40,710 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.2% |
| Music Director and Composer | $73,710 | Bachelor's degree | +1.2% |
| Producer and Director | $90,360 | Bachelor's degree | +4.0% |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $55,490 | Bachelor's degree | -2.9% |
| Audio and Video Technician | $58,100 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.9% |
| Broadcast Technician | $59,570 | Associate's degree | -3.1% |
| Interpreter and Translator | $60,170 | Bachelor's degree | +2.0% |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,200 | Bachelor's degree | -5.9% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a choreographer make?
The national median salary for choreographers is $55,310 a year ($26.59 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,090 and the top 10% earn over $138,630. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays choreographers the most?
New York has the highest median pay at $173,100.
How many choreographers are there in the U.S.?
About 2,860 people work as choreographers nationwide.