Professional dancers perform in ballet and modern companies, on Broadway and cruise ships, in theme parks, music videos, tours, film and TV. There is no license or required degree — what matters is training, versatility and the ability to win auditions. Below is the path most working dancers follow, plus federal wage data so you can plan with real numbers.
Dancers (SOC 27-2031), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025. Full salary data by state →
1. Start technical training early — or train intensively now
Most concert dancers begin ballet between ages 5 and 10, adding jazz, modern and contemporary as teenagers. Commercial and hip-hop dancers often start later. Whatever the style, plan on 10–15 hours of class per week by your mid-teens, plus summer intensives at company schools (ABT, School of American Ballet, Ailey, Joffrey, Houston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and many others hold national audition tours each winter).
2. Choose a training route after high school
- Company trainee / second-company programs — the most direct path into classical ballet.
- BFA programs — conservatory-style university training (see our colleges with dance programs).
- BA programs — broader academics with dance; good for dancers who want a second career path.
- Studio and commercial agencies — for music video, tour and TV work, many dancers move to Los Angeles or New York and sign with an agency.
3. Build versatility
Even ballet companies now dance contemporary repertoire, and Broadway auditions test ballet, jazz, tap and singing. Take class in at least three styles and learn to pick up combinations fast.
4. Audition constantly
Prepare a clean headshot, a full-length dance photo, a one-page dance résumé and a reel. Track open calls on company websites and casting boards. Rejection is normal — most dancers audition dozens of times a year.
5. Understand unions and contracts
Dancers in major ballet and modern companies are often represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA); Broadway and touring theatre dancers by Actors' Equity; film, TV and commercial dancers by SAG-AFTRA. Union contracts set minimum weekly pay, rehearsal hours and injury protections.
6. Plan for the long term
Performing careers often end in a dancer's 30s. Many dancers prepare second careers as teachers, choreographers, physical therapists, Pilates instructors, arts administrators or studio owners while still performing.
Pay by state
| State | Median hourly | Median annual | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $38.75/hr | — | 430 |
| Texas | $35.31/hr | — | 190 |
| Oregon | $30.80/hr | — | 70 |
| New York | $26.32/hr | — | 1,170 |
| Utah | $26.23/hr | — | 180 |
| Hawaii | $24.68/hr | — | 480 |
| Indiana | $24.46/hr | — | 140 |
| Kansas | $24.27/hr | — | — |
| Missouri | $22.51/hr | — | 440 |
| California | $21.79/hr | — | 1,870 |
| Florida | $20.47/hr | — | 210 |
| Puerto Rico | $20.24/hr | — | — |
| Minnesota | $16.75/hr | — | 160 |
| Arizona | — | — | 160 |
| Michigan | — | — | 140 |
| Tennessee | — | — | 150 |
| Wisconsin | — | — | 200 |
FAQ
Do you need a degree to be a professional dancer?
No. Employers hire on technique and auditions. A BFA or BA can help with versatility, networking and a second career.
How much do professional dancers make?
BLS reports dancers' pay as hourly wages because work is often part-time and seasonal; see the wage table on this page for the latest national and state figures.
Is it too late to become a dancer at 18 or 20?
For classical ballet companies it is very difficult; for commercial, contemporary, hip-hop, cruise and theme-park work, many dancers start serious training in their late teens.
Updated October 2026 · How we research