What Does a Choreographer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a choreographer do?

Choreographers create and direct original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. The median pay is $55,310 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Years of dance training, and employment is projected to grow +3.1% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$55,310
$26.59/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+3.1%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
600
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
Years of dance training
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
4,700
Employment, 2025

What choreographers do

Choreographers design movement. They create dances for stage, film, music videos, sports teams and competitions, teach routines to dancers, run rehearsals and work with directors, composers and designers.

Most start as trained dancers; BLS lists five or more years of experience as typical. BLS projects about average growth.

Typical duties

Create dances
Teach routines
Run rehearsals
Audition dancers
Work with directors
Select music
Adjust choreography

Work environment and schedule

Choreographers work in studios, theaters and on sets.

Schedule: Irregular, with evening and weekend rehearsals.

A day in the life

10:00 AMWarm up.
10:30 AMCreate new phrases in the studio.
12:30 PMTeach the company.
2:00 PMMeet the director.

See a full day in the life of a choreographer →

Choreographer salary

Half of choreographers earned more than $55,310 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,090 for the lowest 10% to $138,630 for the top 10%.

$34,09010th$55,310Median$138,63090th

Full choreographer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a choreographer

Train in dance
Perform
Choreograph small works
Build a reel
Choreograph for companies

Extensive dance training and years of performing experience are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a choreographer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Dance technique
Composition
Music analysis
Teaching
Notation or video documentation

People skills

Creativity
Leadership
Communication
Patience

All choreographer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Creative leadership
Physical artistry
Varied projects
Teach and inspire

Cons

Unstable income
Physical strain
Competitive
Long rehearsal hours

Certifications and licenses

Dance degree: BFA, optional.
Teaching certifications: Dance organizations.
SDC membership: Stage directors and choreographers union.
CPR: For teaching.

Career path

Dancer: Perform.
Assistant Choreographer: Assist.
Choreographer: Create.
Artistic Director: Lead company.

Learn the job before day one

Our Choreographer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach a new routine efficiently and clean a group section, safety and how to land your first job.

View Choreographer training Is this career right for me?

Self-Enrichment Teacher

Teach people a skill they want to learn for fun or personal growth.

$46,800
Years building skill in your subject

Music Director

Lead orchestras, bands and choirs, or compose original music.

$73,710
Years of music training

Producer and Director

Bring films, shows, plays and videos to life from idea to final cut.

$90,360
Years of production experience

Art, Drama and Music Professor

Teach studio art, music or theater at the college level.

$78,620
6–9 years after high school

Compare: Choreographer vs. Self-Enrichment Teacher · Choreographer vs. Music Director · Choreographer vs. Producer and Director · Choreographer vs. Art Professor

Choreographer FAQ

Do choreographers need a degree?

No, but dance training is essential.

Are most self-employed?

Many work freelance.

Is the field growing?

BLS projects about average growth.

How much does a choreographer make?

The median annual wage for choreographers was $55,310 ($26.59 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $138,630.

How long does it take to become a choreographer?

Most people need about Years of dance training of training. Extensive dance training and years of performing experience are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a choreographer?

No. BLS lists a high school diploma plus five or more years of related experience as typical. Most choreographers are trained dancers; some have dance degrees.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-2032 (Choreographers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Choreographers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Choreographer