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Dance instructor vs martial arts instructor

The differences between dance instructors and martial arts instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a dance instructor and a martial arts instructor. Additionally, a dance instructor has an average salary of $34,931, which is higher than the $34,287 average annual salary of a martial arts instructor.

The top three skills for a dance instructor include dance classes, role model and hip hop dance. The most important skills for a martial arts instructor are kids, CPR, and seminar.

Dance instructor vs martial arts instructor overview

Dance InstructorMartial Arts Instructor
Yearly salary$34,931$34,287
Hourly rate$16.79$16.48
Growth rate12%19%
Number of jobs36,09524,925
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a dance instructor do?

A dance instructor teaches a variety of dance styles and techniques to students from beginner to advanced level. Dance instructors must choreograph routines for their students and select the proper music for recitals and concerts. They evaluate the performance of their students and provide suggestions and recommendations for improvement. Dance instructors can specialize in one or more dance genres such as ballet, ballroom, or hip-hop. They also can find employment at schools, dance studios, and community centers.

What does a martial arts instructor do?

A martial arts instructor helps people understand the philosophy and history of their chosen martial art and teaches them the skills needed to take part safely. They train students in combat techniques, mostly for recreation or for self-defense. They develop individual training programs for their students, coach the students, develop and practice their own skills, ensure a safe and healthy training environment for their students, observe and assess students, and offer feedback on their progress.

Dance instructor vs martial arts instructor salary

Dance instructors and martial arts instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dance InstructorMartial Arts Instructor
Average salary$34,931$34,287
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $52,000Between $23,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityWaltham, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsHawaii
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictUniversity at Buffalo
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between dance instructor and martial arts instructor education

There are a few differences between a dance instructor and a martial arts instructor in terms of educational background:

Dance InstructorMartial Arts Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorDanceBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborStanford University

Dance instructor vs martial arts instructor demographics

Here are the differences between dance instructors' and martial arts instructors' demographics:

Dance InstructorMartial Arts Instructor
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 19.0% Female, 81.0%Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between dance instructor and martial arts instructor duties and responsibilities

Dance instructor example responsibilities.

  • Promote for demonstrate leadership skills and competence in managing students.
  • Choreograph beginner, intermediate and advance dance repertoire in the areas of ballet, pointe and modern dance.
  • Teach classical ballet, contemporary dance, and Pointe work to children, teens, and adults.
  • Dance instruction include skills such as Zumba workouts, ballet, tap, jazz, and Hawaiian dance.
  • Earn the title of Sensei.
  • Administer first aid when need and hold CPR certification.
  • Show more

Martial arts instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage aspiring mix martial arts (MMA) fighters.
  • Lead children's classes, training kids in kicks, punches, self-defense and how to avoid physical confrontations.
  • Certify in CPR, first aid, and AEDs.
  • Train casual students and MMA fighters.
  • Plan lessons and clean the dojo every evening.
  • Teach defensive class for DMV point reduction and insurance discount.
  • Show more

Dance instructor vs martial arts instructor skills

Common dance instructor skills
  • Dance Classes, 16%
  • Role Model, 9%
  • Hip Hop Dance, 8%
  • Dance Program, 7%
  • Fine Arts, 5%
  • Front Desk, 5%
Common martial arts instructor skills
  • Kids, 27%
  • CPR, 21%
  • Seminar, 14%
  • Law Enforcement, 10%
  • Dojo, 10%
  • Self-Defense Techniques, 3%

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