Choreographers

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

SOC: 27-2032.00

Common Job Titles

  • Choreographer
  • Dance Director
  • Dance Maker
  • Opera Choreographer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeCreate original dance routines integrating movement vocabulary, musicality, and spatial design across diverse performance genres and production contexts.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize diverse artistic influences, historical dance forms, and contemporary trends to develop innovative choreographic concepts and movement vocabularies.
  • Hands-onDemonstrate mastery dance movement techniques and choreographic patterns while rehearsing performers to achieve artistic and technical precision.
  • MindsetIntegrate artistic vision with performers' individual strengths and ensemble dynamics when developing and building collaborative dance teams.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate dancer performance quality, movement execution, and artistic expression during rehearsals to provide constructive feedback and refine choreography.
  • Hands-onCoordinate rehearsal schedules, stage blocking, and production timelines in collaboration with production teams, music directors, and technical staff.
  • MindsetAdvocate for artistic integrity and creative expression when negotiating with producers, directors, and stakeholders about choreographic vision.
  • MindsetBalance creative experimentation with production constraints and performance timelines when managing multiple projects and stakeholder expectations.
  • KnowledgeApply instructional strategies and learning progressions when teaching complex movement sequences to dancers of varying skill levels.
  • Hands-onOperate digital video recording equipment and playback systems to document rehearsals and analyze choreographic compositions.
  • MindsetEngage with performers to cultivate trust, motivation, and artistic commitment throughout the creative and rehearsal process.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Choreographers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

3,430

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $33,080. 25th percentile: U.S. $39,600. 50th percentile: U.S. $55,600. 75th percentile: U.S. $71,190. 90th percentile: U.S. $94,090. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$33,080
10% of workers earn the following or more$94,090
Workers on average earn$62,020

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Fine Arts4.5/5
  • Education and Training3.3/5
  • Production and Processing3.3/5
  • Administration and Management3.3/5
  • Design3.1/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Salesforce software

Technology Skills

  • Chorel Technology Dance Designer
  • Credo Interactive DanceForms
  • Email software
  • Salesforce Visualforce
  • Social media sites
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software
  • YouTube

Tools & Equipment

  • Compact disk CD players
  • Digital stopwatches
  • Digital video cameras
  • Digital video disk DVD players
  • Electronic metronomes
  • Laptop computers
  • Multi-speaker stereo systems
  • Personal computers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment