Choreographers
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Also called: Ballet Director, Choreographer, Choreography Director, Dance Choreographer, Dance Director, Dance Instructor
Median pay
$55,310
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,090 – $138,630
People employed
2,860
Holland code
ASE
Artistic · Social · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Choreographers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (14 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What choreographers do
- 01Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in dance steps and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
- 02Advise dancers on standing and moving properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
- 03Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
- 04Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.
- 05Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.
- 06Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Fine Arts
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Production and Processing
- Communications and Media
Work styles that stand out
- Cooperation
- Achievement Orientation
- Social Orientation
- Perseverance
- Adaptability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from choreographers
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance75% · +76%
- Art Directors75% · +108%
- Fashion Designers72% · +46%
- Graphic Designers70% · +14%
- Costume Attendants68% · −9%
Change into choreographers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Graphic Designers67% · $62,960
- Costume Attendants66% · $50,400
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers65% · $39,390
- Photographers63% · $44,660
- Models60% · $48,470
Majors that lead here
- Dance, General
- Ballet
- Dance, Other
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre and Dance
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.