How much does a choreographer make?
The median choreographer in the United States earns $55,310 per year, about $26.59 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all choreographers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 27-2032.
Choreographer salary range
Pay for choreographers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $34,090 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $138,630. The average (mean) wage of $73,100 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,090 | $16.39 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $41,600 | $20.00 | |
| Median (50th) | $55,310 | $26.59 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $75,710 | $36.40 | |
| 90th percentile | $138,630 | $66.65 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for choreographers (SOC 27-2032), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Choreographer salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Choreographers earn the most in New York at $173,100 a year, and the least in Utah at $33,640. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $173,100 | 340 |
| California | $75,000 | 410 |
| Minnesota | $74,810 | 40 |
| Maryland | $69,140 | 80 |
| Ohio | $66,910 | 120 |
| Louisiana | $51,170 | 210 |
| Nebraska | $49,490 | 60 |
| Texas | $46,460 | 380 |
| Indiana | $44,840 | N/A |
| South Dakota | $40,320 | 250 |
| Alabama | $38,990 | 30 |
| Florida | $36,670 | 180 |
| Illinois | $34,560 | 30 |
| Utah | $33,640 | 60 |
State median wages for choreographers (SOC 27-2032), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for choreographers
The BLS projects employment of choreographers to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 4,700 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,900 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 600 openings a year for choreographers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a choreographer
The typical entry-level education for choreographers is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect 5 years or more of work experience in a related occupation. New hires typically complete long-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a choreographer earns
Employer, market size, reputation, and whether the work is staff or freelance drive a wide pay spread. A small group of top earners pulls the high end of this field well up.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (New York, $173,100) and the lowest (Utah, $33,640) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 2,860 people work as choreographers in the United States. At $55,310 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Choreographer salary FAQ
How much does a choreographer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a choreographer is $26.59. The middle half of choreographers earn between $20.00 and $36.40 per hour.
What is the highest choreographer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of choreographers earn more than $138,630 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a choreographer make a year?
The median annual salary for a choreographer is $55,310. The average (mean) wage of $73,100 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a choreographer a well paid job?
At $55,310 a year, a choreographer earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 2,860 people work as choreographers in the United States.
Which state pays choreographers the most?
New York has the highest median salary for choreographers at $173,100 a year. California ($75,000) and Minnesota ($74,810) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a choreographer a good career?
Employment of choreographers is projected to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a choreographer?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for choreographers as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
Related salaries
See more in Arts & Media salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.