Best paying dance jobs in theater and stage

  Well known for their high leg-kick chorus line, the Radio City Rockettes are a New York holiday tradition (pictured with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg celebrating New Year's at Times Square on December 31, 2012 in New York City). The Rocketts may rehearse up to 6 hours per day 6 days a week and perform up to 5 shows per day during the Christmas season. Set by a contract negotiated through their American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) union, a Rockette makes on average $1,400 to $1,500 a week according to EHOW. Since most Rockettes work only about half of the weeks per year, this brings the total annual Rockette performing salary to $36,400 - $39,000.Most take other work to supplement Rockette pay, teaching dance or perform in smaller shows on a weekly or off-season basis.  While the average classical ballet dancer in New York City can earn an annual salary of $72,000 this represents a combined average between rehearsal, performance and any earned overtime pay totaling $1500/week as dictated through the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) contract.In comparison a Principal New York City ballet dancer can earn over $2,300 for performance weeks, and approximately $1,900 for rehearsal weeks. Since dancers are also eligible for overtime compensation per AGMA contract,  an additional $22 -$88/hour can be earned depending on the number of overtime hours and whether it is a performance or rehearsal week. All of this can bring a principal dancer a combined annual salary in New York to over $100,000.A more famous ballet dancer, who guest-stars with major companies, may earn even more: between $3,000 and $5,000 per performance. New York Times: What New Yorkers Make, Salary of  a New York Principal Dancer According to 2011 data collected through Indeed.com, E-How  reports the average annual salary for a classical ballet company dancer is $59,000.   Company dancers are compensated at different rates dependent on levels of experience, rehearsal time vs. performance, venue, experience, location and budget size of their company. Contracts are overseen by the American Guild of Musical Artists, or AGMA. ‘Apprentice’ is the beginning level in a ballet company in which the new dancer can remain for one - two years, earning approximately $607- $433 per week (or $31,564- $22,516 annually). From apprentice, a ballet dancer may progress through the ranks to: new dancer, first artist, soloist, first soloist, character dancer and finally principal who earns the most.Salaries tend to be higher in cities on the west and east coasts. Ballet dancers in New York City and San Francisco are the highest reported at $72,-$71,000 respectively. Above average salaries ($66, 000 - $61,000) are seen in larger cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Connecticut, and Chicago.Salaries below the national average include: Texas at $56,000/year, Ohio $55,000, and Pennsylvania at $53,000/year. E-How: Salary of a classical Ballet Dancer, What Does a Professional Ballet Dancer Make Per Year?View the list »
Dancers from The Rockettes rehearsing at St. Paul The Apostle Church on Oct.18, 2012 in New York City preparing for the 2012 Radio City Christmas Spectacular .

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Can today’s professionally trained dancer make a living performing in live theater or stage? That depends on a variety of factors.

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In reviewing the following six categories of live theater/stage dance employment: Classical Ballet Company dancer, Principal Ballerina/Guest Artist, Radio City Rockette, Broadway/Regional Theater dancer, Las Vegas and other stage, Theme Park/Cruise ship dancer, the biggest challenge for the working dancer is job longevity, as many live theater jobs only last a few months or weeks. (Click on “view the list” for details on each).

Some dance jobs definitely pay better than others but may only last for a particular season, thereby compelling the dancer to supplement their income in other ways if they are unable to get immediately hired into another show. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the industries with the highest levels of employment of dancers after ‘performing arts companies’ are: drinking (alcoholic beverages) places, other amusement/recreation, schools/instruction, and spectator sports.

The list above is intended to be a general overview only of potential theater/stage dance jobs, and is by no means a complete representation of all possible varieties of employment. Since the data for the list was taken from a variety of sources, it is subject to potential discrepancies and updates. Please consult the resource links below and/or your local government agency for the most current information for your area and specific job.

Resource Links:

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), Actors Equity Association (AEA), League of Resident Theatres (LORT), US Department of Labor

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  •  According to 2011 data collected through Indeed.com, E-How  reports the average annual salary for a classical ballet company dancer is $59,000.   Company dancers are compensated at different rates dependent on levels of experience, rehearsal time vs. performance, venue, experience, location and budget size of their company. Contracts are overseen by the American Guild of Musical Artists, or AGMA. ‘Apprentice’ is the beginning level in a ballet company in which the new dancer can remain for one - two years, earning approximately $607- $433 per week (or $31,564- $22,516 annually). From apprentice, a ballet dancer may progress through the ranks to: new dancer, first artist, soloist, first soloist, character dancer and finally principal who earns the most.Salaries tend to be higher in cities on the west and east coasts. Ballet dancers in New York City and San Francisco are the highest reported at $72,-$71,000 respectively. Above average salaries ($66, 000 - $61,000) are seen in larger cities such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Connecticut, and Chicago.Salaries below the national average include: Texas at $56,000/year, Ohio $55,000, and Pennsylvania at $53,000/year. E-How: Salary of a classical Ballet Dancer, What Does a Professional Ballet Dancer Make Per Year?
  •  While the average classical ballet dancer in New York City can earn an annual salary of $72,000 this represents a combined average between rehearsal, performance and any earned overtime pay totaling $1500/week as dictated through the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) contract.In comparison a Principal New York City ballet dancer can earn over $2,300 for performance weeks, and approximately $1,900 for rehearsal weeks. Since dancers are also eligible for overtime compensation per AGMA contract,  an additional $22 -$88/hour can be earned depending on the number of overtime hours and whether it is a performance or rehearsal week. All of this can bring a principal dancer a combined annual salary in New York to over $100,000.A more famous ballet dancer, who guest-stars with major companies, may earn even more: between $3,000 and $5,000 per performance. New York Times: What New Yorkers Make, Salary of  a New York Principal Dancer
  •   Well known for their high leg-kick chorus line, the Radio City Rockettes are a New York holiday tradition (pictured with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg celebrating New Year's at Times Square on December 31, 2012 in New York City). The Rocketts may rehearse up to 6 hours per day 6 days a week and perform up to 5 shows per day during the Christmas season. Set by a contract negotiated through their American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) union, a Rockette makes on average $1,400 to $1,500 a week according to EHOW. Since most Rockettes work only about half of the weeks per year, this brings the total annual Rockette performing salary to $36,400 - $39,000.Most take other work to supplement Rockette pay, teaching dance or perform in smaller shows on a weekly or off-season basis. 
  •  Overseen by the Actors Equity Association and at the high end of the salary compensation spectrum is a dance job in a Broadway showCollected from various industry sources and reported by Answers4dancers, the basic minimum Broadway salary for dancers in musical theater is: $1703/week (8 performances); Broadway national musical theater tours include the above rate + per diems of $100/day, raising the weekly income by $700.Extra can be earned for those understudy additional roles, featured bits, and if there is additional hazard pay due to the special demands of the role or show.Regional Theater (professional theatre outside of New York City) may be a non-profit, commercial, union, or non-union production, so salaries can vary. As of February 2012, minimum salary for performers under the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) ranges from $882- $556. League of Resident Theatres: 1501 Broadway, Suite 2401, New York, NY  10036LORT Management Associate: Stephanie Drotar, (212) 944-1501, ext. 19; EmailActors Equity
  •  Las Vegas Shows are all non-union, and each venue sets its own pay scales and schedules (from 6-12 shows / week) so pay can vary greatly.  According to various dancers reports to Answers4dancers: salaries ranged from the $620/week up to $1600 with shows such as Cirque du Soleil being at the higher end.  While still low, there have been reports of some instances of hazard pay starting to be seen implemented where applicable.Other Dance Companies (non- ballet) salary ranges from company to company, anywhere from $350- $600/week, although many new companies just starting out may pay very minimally until they can establish themselves.
  •  Cast members from Disney's Tony Award-winning musical "Newsies" dance as they tape a segment for the "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" TV special in the Magic Kingdom; unfortunately the dancers who perform in the regular theme park shows make a lot less then these guests from Broadway. As reported to Answers 4dancers, starting pay at Disney theme parks is approximately $500 a week; more dependent on specialty skills that may be needed.Dancers who perform in cruise ship stage shows - begin at a little less ($400 a week) with more earning potential for specialty dancers:  i.e. adagio, ballroom, acrobat/dancer, and singer/dancer. However cruise ship performers also enjoy free room and board, and receive medical and dental benefits during the length of their commitment.  Unlike stage shows, cruise ship contracts range 6-8 months, so the work is steady.
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Suggested by the author:

, Hartford Dance Fitness Examiner

Joyce Hyde, CSCS lives in CT and has 30+ yrs. fitness and dance industry experience as a Trainer, Director, GM, Multi-Site Mgr, V.P. & Independent Consultant, with awards for results in sales, retention, program development, leadership and profitability. Joyce is also is a 3 time Ms. Fitness USA...

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