Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Choreographer salary
Average choreographer salary
$60,957
Choreographer Salary Insights
The role of a choreographer is both creative and financially rewarding. As of October 2025, the average salary for choreographers in the United States is $60,957 per year, or about $29 per hour. Salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific industry in which one works.
Salary Variations by State
Choreographers in states like California and New York often earn more due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for performing arts professionals. For example, in California, the average salary can exceed $70,000, while in less populated states, it may fall closer to $50,000.
Experience Matters
Experience plays a crucial role in determining salary. Entry-level positions generally offer lower pay, while seasoned choreographers with a strong portfolio can command higher wages. Exploring different opportunities within dance companies, theaters, and entertainment venues can enhance earning potential.
Job Outlook
The job market for choreographers is evolving, with increasing opportunities in digital media and online platforms. Understanding the current salary landscape can aid choreographers in negotiating their worth and planning their careers effectively.
Let Zippia find your next choreographer job
Let Zippia find your next choreographer job
Where can a Choreographer earn more?
Choreographer salary estimates from across the web
Average choreographer salary by state
The highest-paying states for choreographers are Alaska, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The lowest average choreographer salary states are Hawaii, Kansas, and Arkansas.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for choreographers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $83,961 | $40.37 |
| 2 | Alaska | $84,690 | $40.72 |
| 3 | New York | $83,289 | $40.04 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $83,169 | $39.99 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | $81,706 | $39.28 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $83,821 | $40.30 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $81,721 | $39.29 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $83,313 | $40.05 |
| 9 | Delaware | $81,278 | $39.08 |
| 10 | Michigan | $75,584 | $36.34 |
| 11 | District of Columbia | $78,997 | $37.98 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | $70,011 | $33.66 |
| 13 | Maine | $77,363 | $37.19 |
| 14 | Vermont | $78,682 | $37.83 |
| 15 | Ohio | $72,416 | $34.82 |
| 16 | Maryland | $79,754 | $38.34 |
| 17 | Nevada | $70,465 | $33.88 |
| 18 | West Virginia | $71,634 | $34.44 |
| 19 | Virginia | $75,024 | $36.07 |
| 20 | Illinois | $66,937 | $32.18 |
| 21 | Arizona | $66,873 | $32.15 |
| 22 | California | $72,324 | $34.77 |
| 23 | Minnesota | $66,493 | $31.97 |
| 24 | Indiana | $65,762 | $31.62 |
| 25 | Oregon | $62,814 | $30.20 |
| 26 | North Carolina | $64,197 | $30.86 |
| 27 | Iowa | $60,940 | $29.30 |
| 28 | North Dakota | $62,746 | $30.17 |
| 29 | Kentucky | $62,111 | $29.86 |
| 30 | New Mexico | $63,270 | $30.42 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $59,813 | $28.76 |
| 32 | Texas | $61,307 | $29.47 |
| 33 | Tennessee | $56,930 | $27.37 |
| 34 | South Carolina | $58,173 | $27.97 |
| 35 | South Dakota | $57,891 | $27.83 |
| 36 | Georgia | $55,674 | $26.77 |
| 37 | Missouri | $56,613 | $27.22 |
| 38 | Washington | $59,769 | $28.74 |
| 39 | Mississippi | $56,780 | $27.30 |
| 40 | Utah | $57,329 | $27.56 |
| 41 | Alabama | $55,909 | $26.88 |
| 42 | Hawaii | $55,277 | $26.58 |
| 43 | Montana | $54,618 | $26.26 |
| 44 | Idaho | $57,257 | $27.53 |
| 45 | Kansas | $55,109 | $26.49 |
| 46 | Nebraska | $56,126 | $26.98 |
| 47 | Florida | $56,726 | $27.27 |
| 48 | Arkansas | $55,013 | $26.45 |
| 49 | Colorado | $54,075 | $26.00 |
| 50 | Oklahoma | $55,354 | $26.61 |
| 51 | Wyoming | $53,520 | $25.73 |
Highest paying cities for choreographers
The highest-paying cities for choreographers are Hoboken, NJ, New York, NY, and Boston, MA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoboken, NJ | $83,427 | $40.11 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $83,422 | $40.11 |
| 3 | Boston, MA | $83,350 | $40.07 |
| 4 | Arlington, VA | $78,957 | $37.96 |
| 5 | Pittsburgh, PA | $78,013 | $37.51 |
| 6 | Los Angeles, CA | $70,806 | $34.04 |
| 7 | Las Vegas, NV | $69,839 | $33.58 |
| 8 | Addison, IL | $67,347 | $32.38 |
| 9 | Houston, TX | $61,287 | $29.46 |
| 10 | Davie, FL | $56,866 | $27.34 |
| 11 | Longmont, CO | $53,804 | $25.87 |
Choreographer salary details
A choreographer's salary ranges from $32,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $115,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a choreographer's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $115,000 | $9,583 | $55 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,000 | $7,083 | $41 |
| Average | $60,957 | $5,080 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
| 10th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
Highest paying choreographer jobs
The highest paying types of choreographers are dancer, dance teacher, and dance instructor.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dance Instructor | $34,931 | $2,911 | $16.79 | 36,095 |
| Dancer | $53,667 | $4,472 | $25.80 | 167 |
| Dance Teacher | $47,909 | $3,992 | $23.03 | 71,355 |
Top companies hiring choreographers now:
Which companies pay choreographers the most?
Choreographer salaries at Louisville Ballet and Stevens Institute of Technology are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average choreographer salary at companies like Addison Trail High School and Palantir are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville Ballet | $85,015 | $40.87 |
| 2 | Stevens Institute of Technology | $78,235 | $37.61 |
| 3 | Addison Trail High School | $74,405 | $35.77 |
| 4 | Palantir | $71,128 | $34.20 |
| 5 | Wheaton Park District | $45,476 | $21.86 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Choreographer salary trends
The average choreographer salary has risen by $5,693 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average choreographer earned $55,264 annually, but today, they earn $60,957 a year. That works out to a -9% change in pay for choreographers over the last decade.
Compare choreographer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average choreographer salary over time
Compare choreographer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Choreographer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,000 | $29.31 | -6.1% |
| 2024 | $64,700 | $31.08 | -3.2% |
| 2023 | $66,700 | $32.07 | -1.3% |
| 2022 | $67,600 | $32.49 | +0.4% |
| 2021 | $67,300 | $32.37 | +4.8% |
Recently added choreographer salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA of Greater Brandywine | Choreographer for Theater Season | Berwyn, PA | 06/28/2025 | $33,392 |
| Oak Park and River Forest High School | Summer Musical-Choreographer | Oak Park, IL | 05/23/2025 | $26,700 |
| Independent School District 15 | Choreographer-Spring Musical | Nore, MN | 03/20/2025 | $37,670 |
| Dance | Rhythmically Speaking Call for Choreographer Interest | Saint Paul, MN | 02/19/2025 | $78,263 |
| Dance | ETD New Choreographer Grant | New York, NY | 02/17/2025 | $52,175 |
| Quakertown Community School District | Musical Choreographer (High School) | Kane, PA | 02/15/2025 | $103,981 |
| Lake County Schools Consortium | Spring Musical Choreographer | Kane, IL | 01/22/2025 | $37,566 |
| Grant Community High School District 124 | Spring Musical Choreographer | Kane, IL | 01/22/2025 | $37,566 |
| Jordan Public Schools | Spring Musical Choreographer | Nore, MN | 01/17/2025 | $65,584 |
| Interlochen Center for The Arts | Choreographer (Summer) | Interlochen, MI | 01/08/2025 | $43,200 |
Choreographer salary FAQs
Search for choreographer jobs