ðŸŽ
Performing Arts & Theater
Disney Theatrical Group, Cirque du Soleil, Nederlander Organization
Choreographers
Choreographers create movement for stage shows, films, television, musical theater, fashion events, and special performances, and they often teach the steps themselves. The work stands out because it blends artistry with coaching, casting, and production planning, so you are shaping both the look of the performance and how safely and accurately dancers can do it. The tradeoff is clear: you get creative control, but the job usually requires years of performance experience, long-term training, and comfort with physical, project-based work.
Also known as Dance ChoreographerDance DirectorMovement DirectorStage ChoreographerTheatrical Choreographer
Median Salary
$55,600
Mean $62,020
U.S. Workforce
~3K
0.7K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+6.1%
4.6K to 4.9K
Entry Education
High school diploma or equivalent
+ 5 years or more experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Choreographers sits in the Creative category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~3K workers, with a median annual pay of $55,600 and roughly 0.7K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 4.6 K in 2024 to 4.9K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with High School Diploma or Equivalent, and employers typically expect 5 years or more of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Dance Rehearsal Assistant and can progress toward Artistic Director of Dance. High-value skills usually include Dance Instruction & Technique Correction, Rehearsal Blocking & Stage Mapping, and Dance Notation (Labanotation) & Choreography Software, paired with soft skills such as Active Listening, Clear Communication, and Social Perceptiveness.
Core Responsibilities
- Teach dancers how to move safely and cleanly so they can perform without getting hurt.
- Watch rehearsals, spot weak points in timing or technique, and make changes to improve the routine.
- Hold auditions and decide which performers fit each role or dance part.
- Build full routines for solo acts, ensemble numbers, and big production pieces.
Keep exploring: more Creative careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Teach dancers how to move safely and cleanly so they can perform without getting hurt.
02 Watch rehearsals, spot weak points in timing or technique, and make changes to improve the routine.
03 Hold auditions and decide which performers fit each role or dance part.
04 Build full routines for solo acts, ensemble numbers, and big production pieces.
05 Choose music and line up sound cues so the movement matches the rhythm and mood.
06 Work with directors, music staff, and design teams, while keeping notes and sketches for new ideas.
Industries That Hire
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Film & Television Production
Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Walt Disney Studios
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Live Events & Touring
Live Nation, AEG Presents, Feld Entertainment
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Dance Education & Conservatories
Juilliard, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre
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Fashion Shows & Brand Events
Vogue, Dior, Victoria's Secret
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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The work is highly creative: you get to build movement from scratch for everything from stage musicals to TV specials.
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It is a hands-on leadership job, so if you like coaching people, much of the day is spent giving clear direction and helping performers improve.
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The pay is solid for an arts career, with a median salary of $55,600 and a mean of $62,020.
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Projected growth is 6.1% through 2034, and about 700 annual openings mean there is at least some turnover and hiring movement.
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You can build a varied portfolio across theater, film, fashion, and live events instead of being locked into one narrow setting.
Challenges
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The occupation is small, with only about 3,430 workers, so openings are limited and competition can be intense.
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Most people need 5 years or more of related experience plus long-term training before they are taken seriously for major work.
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The job can be physically demanding because you may demonstrate moves, rehearse repeatedly, and spend long hours on your feet.
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A lot of the work is project-based, so income can swing between jobs and there may be gaps between contracts or productions.
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Career growth can level off because many opportunities depend on company budgets, touring schedules, and the number of productions being mounted.
Career Progression
Dance Rehearsal Assistant
0-2 years
$28K-$37K
Supports rehearsals, marks spacing, and helps dancers learn counts and transitions before taking on bigger creative decisions.
Assistant Choreographer
2-5 years
$38K-$47K
Helps set routines, runs sections of rehearsals, and makes sure performers are ready for the lead choreographer's notes.
Choreographer THIS ROLE
5-10 years
$48K-$68K
Designs dances for productions, teaches the movement, and works with directors and music teams to shape the final performance.
Senior Choreographer
10-15 years
$69K-$92K
Leads larger productions, oversees other rehearsal staff, and makes more of the creative and casting decisions.
Artistic Director of Dance
15+ years
$93K-$130K
Sets the overall movement style for a company or production slate and balances creative vision with budgets, schedules, and staff.
Education Paths
High School Diploma or Equivalent
The most common entry point, held by 33.33% of workers in this role, but it usually has to be paired with years of performance experience and on-the-job training.
Bachelor's Degree in Dance, Theater, or Performing Arts
A formal route used by 19.05% of workers, especially people who want stronger technique training, stage experience, and portfolio-building opportunities.
Post-Secondary Certificate in Dance or Movement Studies
Another route used by 19.05% of workers, often built around intensive studio training, performance practice, and teacher feedback.
Studio Apprenticeship or Professional Performance Experience
A non-degree path that can work if you already have years of company, touring, or teaching experience and can show strong references and work samples.
Key Skills
Technical
Dance Instruction & Technique Correction 80%
Rehearsal Blocking & Stage Mapping 78%
Dance Notation (Labanotation) & Choreography Software 76%
Audition Evaluation & Casting Notes 75%
Ableton Live, Logic Pro & Pro Tools 74%
Soft Skills
Active ListeningClear CommunicationSocial PerceptivenessLeadershipCreativityPatience Job Outlook and Trends
+6.1%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
0.7K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 4.6K to 4.9 K over the next decade, representing 6.1% growth. Around 0.7 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Rare. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.