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Ballet dancer salary
Average ballet dancer salary
$51,557
Understanding Ballet Dancer Salaries
Ballet dancers typically earn an average salary of $51,557 annually. However, pay can vary significantly based on several factors including geographic location, years of experience, and the specific sector within the dance industry. For example, cities known for their vibrant arts scenes, such as New York and San Francisco, often offer higher compensation compared to other regions.
Factors Influencing Salary
Experience plays a crucial role in determining salary levels. Entry-level dancers may start at lower pay rates, while those with extensive experience and accolades can command significantly higher salaries. Additionally, the type of employment—whether with a ballet company, theater, or as a freelancer—also impacts earning potential.
Top-Paying States for Ballet Dancers
States like New York, California, and Illinois have some of the highest salaries for ballet dancers. In these regions, dancers can find more opportunities with professional ballet companies and high-profile performances.
Career Opportunities
Exploring various roles within the dance industry, from teaching ballet to choreographing performances, can lead to increased earnings. Each career path offers unique opportunities for growth and development.
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Where can a Ballet Dancer earn more?
Ballet dancer salary estimates from across the web
Average ballet dancer salary by state
The highest-paying states for ballet dancers are Alaska, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The lowest average ballet dancer salary states are Arkansas, Oregon, and Washington.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for ballet dancers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $76,179 | $36.62 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $66,631 | $32.03 |
| 3 | Maryland | $66,015 | $31.74 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $69,061 | $33.20 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $64,485 | $31.00 |
| 6 | Ohio | $58,955 | $28.34 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $60,548 | $29.11 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $58,666 | $28.20 |
| 9 | Vermont | $60,699 | $29.18 |
| 10 | Delaware | $60,340 | $29.01 |
| 11 | California | $62,517 | $30.06 |
| 12 | Louisiana | $50,931 | $24.49 |
| 13 | New York | $57,917 | $27.84 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $56,812 | $27.31 |
| 15 | Michigan | $50,826 | $24.44 |
| 16 | Nevada | $50,975 | $24.51 |
| 17 | New Jersey | $55,380 | $26.63 |
| 18 | Kentucky | $50,805 | $24.43 |
| 19 | South Carolina | $48,597 | $23.36 |
| 20 | District of Columbia | $57,724 | $27.75 |
| 21 | Arizona | $48,698 | $23.41 |
| 22 | Virginia | $51,906 | $24.95 |
| 23 | Maine | $49,478 | $23.79 |
| 24 | North Dakota | $48,396 | $23.27 |
| 25 | Missouri | $46,503 | $22.36 |
| 26 | Indiana | $44,695 | $21.49 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $47,291 | $22.74 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $46,195 | $22.21 |
| 29 | South Dakota | $45,787 | $22.01 |
| 30 | Texas | $44,410 | $21.35 |
| 31 | North Carolina | $44,645 | $21.46 |
| 32 | Hawaii | $50,484 | $24.27 |
| 33 | Nebraska | $45,047 | $21.66 |
| 34 | New Mexico | $44,621 | $21.45 |
| 35 | Tennessee | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 36 | Utah | $43,628 | $20.98 |
| 37 | Florida | $40,504 | $19.47 |
| 38 | Colorado | $43,110 | $20.73 |
| 39 | Minnesota | $43,297 | $20.82 |
| 40 | Illinois | $42,937 | $20.64 |
| 41 | Montana | $42,271 | $20.32 |
| 42 | Alabama | $39,161 | $18.83 |
| 43 | Oregon | $37,712 | $18.13 |
| 44 | Arkansas | $38,441 | $18.48 |
| 45 | Georgia | $39,327 | $18.91 |
| 46 | Washington | $36,454 | $17.53 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $38,473 | $18.50 |
| 48 | Iowa | $38,781 | $18.64 |
| 49 | Kansas | $36,100 | $17.36 |
| 50 | Idaho | $35,220 | $16.93 |
| 51 | Wyoming | $34,863 | $16.76 |
Highest paying cities for ballet dancers
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacramento, CA | $60,297 | $28.99 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $57,909 | $27.84 |
Ballet dancer salary details
A ballet dancer's salary ranges from $25,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $105,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a ballet dancer's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $105,000 | $8,750 | $50 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,000 | $6,250 | $36 |
| Average | $51,557 | $4,296 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
Highest paying ballet dancer jobs
The highest paying types of ballet dancers are hip hop dancer, dance artist, and hip hop artist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dancer | $53,667 | $4,472 | $25.80 | 167 |
Top companies hiring ballet dancers now:
Which companies pay ballet dancers the most?
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacramento Ballet | $36,379 | $17.49 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Ballet Dancer salary by industry
The average ballet dancer salary varies across industries:
- The average ballet dancer salary in the hospitality industry is $61,102, the highest of any industry.
- The average ballet dancer salary in the finance industry is $59,081.
- Ballet dancers in the transportation industry earn an average salary of $52,895, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for ballet dancers
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hospitality | $61,102 | $29.38 |
| 2 | Education | $59,081 | $28.40 |
| 3 | Media | $53,500 | $25.72 |
| 4 | Transportation | $52,895 | $25.43 |
High paying ballet dancer jobs
Ballet dancer salary trends
The average ballet dancer salary has risen by $9,641 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average ballet dancer earned $41,916 annually, but today, they earn $51,557 a year. That works out to a 15% change in pay for ballet dancers over the last decade.
Compare ballet dancer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average ballet dancer salary over time
Compare ballet dancer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Ballet dancer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,600 | $24.79 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $49,600 | $23.82 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $47,000 | $22.61 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $46,000 | $22.12 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $44,800 | $21.52 | +2.1% |
Recently added ballet dancer salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VH Dance Center | Male Ballet Dancer for Nutcracker | Aurora, IL | 06/10/2025 | $41,740 |
| VH Dance Center | Male Ballet Dancer for Nutcracker | Aurora, IL | 03/27/2025 | $41,740 |
| VH Dance Center | Male Ballet Dancer for Nutcracker | Aurora, IL | 02/19/2025 | $41,740 |
| Latticeworksdance | Ballets With A Twist Seeks Classically Trained Female Dancers | New York, NY | 02/17/2025 | $52,175 |
| VH Dance Center | Male Ballet Dancer for Nutcracker | Aurora, IL | 01/30/2025 | $41,740 |
| Dance | Male Ballet Dancer for Performance | Avon, CT | 12/15/2024 | $26,088 |
| Dance | 1 Ballet Dancer Between Ages | New York, NY | 09/26/2024 | $41,740 |
| Dance | Male Ballet Dancer for Performance | Avon, CT | 09/26/2024 | $26,088 |
| Dance | Male Ballet Dancer for Performance | Avon, CT | 09/14/2024 | $26,088 |
| Dance | 1 Ballet Dancer Between Ages | New York, NY | 09/10/2024 | $41,740 |
Ballet dancer salary FAQs
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