Dancers

Dancers’ yearly earnings vary widely depending on factors such as where a dancer is employed, how much work he or she was able to get for the year, and what role the dancer performed in a production. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that the median hourly wage for dancers was $24.95 (or $51,896 annually) in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent of dancers earned $14.44 ($30,035 per year) or less in the same period, while the highest paid 10 percent made more than $43.82 ($91,146 per year). It should be noted that most dancers do not work a typical 40-hour workweek. Dancers on tour usually receive additional money to use for room and food and may also get extra money for overtime.

Because of the lack of steady, well-paying work, many dancers must supplement their income with earnings from other jobs. Possibilities include teaching dance, working several part-time dance jobs, or going outside the field for other work.

Many dancers belong to unions, and those working under union contracts may receive some benefits such as health insurance and paid sick leave. Those who do not work under union contracts typically receive no benefits and must provide their own health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.