Dancers
SOC Code: 27-2031Also known as:
Acrobatic Dancer, Ballerina, Ballet Company Member, Ballet Dancer, Ballet Soloist
Median Annual Salary
N/A
+4.5% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs
What Dancers Do
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.
💰 Salary
N/A
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
12,300
Projected Employment (2034)
12,900
Related Careers
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190 •
+1.7% growth
Choreographers
$55,600 •
+6.1% growth
Music directors and composers
$63,670 •
-0.3% growth
Musicians and singers
N/A •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Collaborate with choreographers to refine or modify dance steps.
- Audition for dance roles or for membership in dance companies.
- Attend costume fittings, photography sessions, and makeup calls associated with dance performances.
- Monitor the field of dance to remain aware of current trends and innovations.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dancers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dancers:
Dance, General
3,076 degrees awarded •
303 colleges offer this program
Musical Theatre
1,157 degrees awarded •
120 colleges offer this program
Dance, Other
153 degrees awarded •
25 colleges offer this program
Theatre and Dance
122 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Ballet
45 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dancers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dancers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dancers make?
The median annual salary for dancers is N/A.
What education do dancers need?
Most dancers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Dance, General, Musical Theatre, Dance, Other.
Is becoming dancers a good career choice?
Dancers is projected to see +4.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dancers?
Top colleges for aspiring dancers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, New York University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of California-Irvine.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dancers?
Dancers may also be known as: Acrobatic Dancer, Ballerina, Ballet Company Member, Ballet Dancer, Ballet Soloist, Belly Dancer, Burlesque Dancer, Company Dancer, Dance Artist, Dance Performer, Dancer, Discotheque Dancer, Entertainment Dancer, Exotic Dancer, Go-Go Dancer, Hip Hop Artist, Hip Hop Dance Instructor, Hip Hop Dancer, Latin Dancer, Line Dancer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.