Choreographers are the creative visionaries behind captivating dance routines. But beyond the artistic passion, what kind of salary can choreographers expect?
This article explores the Choreographers wages in United States Of America, exploring the factors that influence your earning potential and offering tips to maximize Choreographers income in this dynamic field.
Defining the Choreographers:
Choreographers are creative professionals who design and direct dance performances and movement sequences for various purposes.
Choreographers Salary Range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1, the annual median salary for Choreographers is $52,000. Choreographers earn salaries ranging from $30,040 to $91,140 annually.
Top 10% earners: Exceed $91,140 annually
Bottom 10% earners: Make less than $30,040 annually
Projected annual median salary for Choreographers in 2024-2025 (with 2.5% increase) is $53,300.
The median annual wages for Choreographers in the Top industries
Chart 1: Median annual wages for Choreographers in the top industries (U.S. BLS. May 20232)
This wide range highlights the diverse factors that influence a Choreographers income in USA. We will be discussing those factors below.
Top Paying Industries for Choreographers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that Choreographers working for Performing Arts Companies earn the highest annual salaries, exceeding $74,000 annually (U.S BLS May 20233).
Other high-paying industries in USA includes Amusement and Recreation Industries etc.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Performing Arts Companies | $ 35.60 | $ 74,040 |
| Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | $ 29.87 | $ 62,140 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $ 24.28 | $ 50,490 |
| Other Schools and Instruction | $ 23.46 | $ 48,790 |
Industry with highest Employment Level for Choreographers
Most number of Choreographers are employed in Schools and Instruction, followed by Performing Arts Companies.
Chart 2: Industry with highest employment level for Choreographers
Top Paying U.S. States for Choreographers
New York leads the pack with the highest annual mean wage for Choreographers in USA. Following closely are California and North Carolina all offering wages exceeding $105,000 annually (U.S BLS).
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| New York | $ 50.86 | $ 105,790 |
| California | $ 34.12 | $ 70,970 |
| North Carolina | $ 32.75 | $ 68,120 |
| Tennessee | $ 29.19 | $ 60,710 |
| Minnesota | $ 27.93 | $ 58,100 |
Click Here To View Wages of All States U.S. States with the highest employment level for Choreographers California leads in providing employment to the Choreographers, followed by Texas and Louisiana. Chart 3: States with the highest employment level for Choreographers After factoring in federal and state taxes, a Choreographers with a state-wise annual mean salary, would have an estimated net income as follows: Taxes and take home pay estimate for a single filer New-York: $105,790 (Annual mean wage) – $21,110 (Estimated income tax) = $84,680 (Estimated take home pay). California: $70,970 (Annual mean wage) –$10,739 (Estimated income tax) = $60,231 (Estimated take home pay). Texas: $43,760 (Annual mean wage) – $3,369 (Estimated income tax) = $40,391 (Estimated take home pay). More taxes can be saved by contributions in IRA, retirement, itemized deduction such as charitable contributions, medical and dental expenses. The average annual expenses for a single person household in New York are estimated at $46,584 excluding taxes, according to estimates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology4. (The figures are measured in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) Based on this estimate, a Choreographers earning the take home pay of $84,680, with basic expenses could potentially save $38,096 annually. It’s important to note that individual expenses can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and location. Savings for Married Couples/Households: While the data provided doesn’t explicitly detail salary savings for married couples or households, it’s important to consider that combined incomes and potentially shared expenses could significantly increase overall savings potential in USA. Total compensation for Choreographers goes beyond the hourly or annual wage. Organizations offer additional benefits such as: Meal stipends: Daily meals compensation during tours. Travel allowances: Compensation for travel expenses for out-of-town productions. Health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your dependents. Paid time off: Vacation days and sick leave. Royalties: Ongoing payments for choreography used in long-running shows or productions. Marketing and Promotion: Support in promoting personal brand or works. Professional Development: Funding for workshops or master classes. Retirement savings plans: Retirement planning gets a helping hand with employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s. These plans offer tax advantages for saving. Employers may also match employee contributions. Several factors can affect Choreographers paycheck: Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level choreographers can expect lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with proven track records command higher compensation. Specialization: Choreographers specializing in specific dance styles like ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary dance may find higher paying opportunities compared to generalists. Location: Geographic location significantly impacts Choreographers salaries. U.S. States like New York, California, and North Carolina offer some of the highest pay, while others may offer lower wages. Industry: The industry you work in can impact your salary. Choreographers working in film, television typically earn more than those working in smaller dance studios or community programs. Employer: Working for a larger productions or longer-term contracts usually provide better compensation. Reputation and Recognition: Building a strong reputation and gaining recognition within the dance community can significantly increase your earning potential, attracting high-profile projects and clients. Contract Details: The specific terms of the employment contract, including factors like housing stipends, overtime pay, and benefits, can affect the overall compensation package. So, how can Choreographers maximize their salary? Here are some tips: Refine Your Skills: Practice your craft, experiment with formations and storytelling through movement, and constantly seek ways to refine your choreographic voice. Master Diverse Dance Styles: Learn multiple dance styles and choreography techniques to appeal to a wider range of clients and projects. Build a strong online presence: Use social media and a professional website to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Teach or mentor: Offering classes or workshops can provide additional income streams and increase your visibility in the field. Collaborate: Partner with other artists or choreographers to expand your reach and potentially access larger projects. Continue Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field by attending conferences, workshops. Conclusion: A career as a Choreographers in United States offers both professional satisfaction and the potential for a high salary. By understanding the various factors that influence salary and carefully managing expenses, Choreographers can make informed decisions and pave the way for a rewarding and financially secure career path. Share this Post Note: This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial advice: Your individual circumstances and specific job offer details will significantly impact your actual earnings. Seek professional guidance: Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized advice on managing your finances and maximizing your savings potential. ResourcesStates name Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage California (ca) 1240 34.12 70970 Florida (fl) 90 25.81 53680 Indiana (in) 40 26.15 54390 Iowa (ia) Estimate not released by U.S. BLS. 23.39 48640 Louisiana (la) 360 23.53 48940 Maine (me) 50 22.67 47150 Maryland (md) 70 27.73 57670 Michigan (mi) 40 24.22 50380 Minnesota (mn) 40 27.93 58100 Nebraska (ne) 110 15.94 33160 New York (ny) 280 50.86 105790 North Carolina (nc) 50 32.75 68120 Ohio (oh) 70 18.12 37680 Pennsylvania (pa) 60 Estimate not released by U.S. BLS. Estimate not released by U.S. BLS. South Carolina (sc) 120 25.92 53910 South Dakota (sd) 250 18.48 38430 Tennessee (tn) 60 29.19 60710 Texas (tx) 690 21.04 43760 Utah (ut) 150 24.30 50540 Virginia (va) 70 27.63 57480 
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