So the time has come! You are fascinated by human anatomy, art, music, choreography and education. And you have just become a certified dance instructor who looks for a job. Congratulations!
What can you expect at the beginning of your career – per hour, per week, per month? How much does a dance teacher earn? What is a national average? Is there a big difference between the highest paying cities and countryside? And what about an average salary that could be your base for further development?
So many questions! Read on, we are going to make everything clear in a moment.
Key Takeaways
- How much does a dance teacher earn? Salary for a dance instruction depends, among others, on regional variations: dance instructor average base salary can vary significantly by city. For example, in New York, NY, the average annual salary is $61,465, while in Miami, FL, it's $50,67 and in California: around $59,320 in Los Angeles, CA.
- Expertise and education: Holding certifications from recognized dance organizations and accumulating teaching experience can lead to higher salaries across all dance genres.
- Additional factors influencing dance instructor salary are: offering private lessons or having your own studio (read about opening a gym process), choreography performances, and having a strong online presence.
- Seasonality of the salary: in the dance job industry, earnings can also fluctuate depending on the season - a dance teacher can earn more during event periods, from April to early fall. The owners know this and include it in a dance school business plan they write. Use this knowledge to create a financial cushion for the worse months.
- You have a chance to increase your average total cash compensation if you show commitment: propose the introduction of dedicated dance studio software, take up event hosting, work on your development, e.g. obtain certificates, introduce multi-style teaching.
Dance Teacher Salary
The national average dance teacher salary in the USA is around $47,909 yearly according to Zippia. Pay can vary by dance style, location, certifications, and expertise, with some instructors earning higher salaries through specialized training and private lessons.
Dance Teacher Salary: Popular Dance Genres
How much does a dance teacher earn? Well, and what kind of dance do you mean?
Below we present an overview of the most popular dance styles in the U.S., along with the average base salary for instructors in each style. We’ve included details on how certifications, experience, or location can influence earnings in the dance business.
1. Ballet Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Annual Salary: $47,909, which gives ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average)
- Higher Pay Factors: Formal training from institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance or American Ballet Theatre, and professional companies background, can lead to higher earnings in this job. Source: Zippia.
2. Hip-Hop Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Base Salary: $18.96 per hour at WeBreak Hip-Hop Dance Company as an example.
- Higher Pay Factors: Instructors with performance experience, choreography skills, or a strong online presence may command higher rates, according to Indeed.
3. Ballroom Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Base Salary: Approximately $47,909 yearly, that is ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average).
- Higher Pay Factors: Certifications from organizations like the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) or Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) can enhance earning potential in this job. Source: Zippia.
4. Jazz Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Salary: Approximately $47,909 yearly, which is ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average)
- Higher Pay Factors: It’s worth having experience in musical theater, commercial dance, or holding a degree in dance which can lead to higher salary for a dance teacher like that.
5. Tap Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Base Salary: Approximately $47,909 yearly, and ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average)
- Higher Pay Factors: Professional performance experience and teaching credentials can increase salary for a dance teacher of this style.
6. Contemporary Dance Teacher Salary
- Dance Teacher Salary: Approximately $47,909 yearly and ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average)
- Higher Pay Factors: A degree in dance or experience with contemporary dance companies can enhance salary prospects in this job. Source: Zippia.
7. Salsa Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Base Salary: Approximately $47,909 per year, that is ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average).
- Higher Pay Factors: Recognition in the Latin dance community and competition experience can lead to higher earnings.
8. Swing Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Salary: Approximately $47,909 per year and ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average)
- Higher Pay Factors: Specialization in styles like Lindy Hop or Balboa and participation in dance festivals can increase pay, according to Zippia.
9. Belly Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Salary: $72,956 per year nationally (~$36.48 per hour); up to $120,651 in Seattle, WA (~$60.33 per hour)
- Higher Pay Factors: Performance experience, teaching workshops, and a strong personal brand can significantly boost average total cash compensation, source: Salary.com.
10. Flamenco Dance Teacher Salary
- Average Salary: Approximately $47,909 per year, which is ~$23.95 per hour (general dance teacher average)
- Higher Pay Factors: Training in Spain and performance experience can enhance earning potential.
Dance Teacher Salary: What Does It Depend On?
Dance instructor salaries in the U.S. vary based on several factors, including the dance genre, geographic location (highest paying cities vs. countryside), level of experience, and education.
Dance Genre
Salaries often depend on the type of dance being taught. Instructors of niche or high-demand genres like hip-hop, belly dance, or salsa tend to earn more, especially if they have a strong reputation or specialized skills in that style.
Specifics of Salsa, Flamenco, Tango, Tap Dancing
Those styles of dancing are very spectacular and sensual, so it is the perfect material to use in gym social media channels. Don’t miss this opportunity, develop your social reach!
Geographic Location
Dance teachers in major metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in rural or less populated regions. Urban centers often have higher demand, larger student bases, and higher studio budgets, all of which contribute to increased pay.
Experience and Credentials
More experienced instructors – particularly those with performance backgrounds or competition accolades – can command higher rates. Teaching credentials or certifications from respected institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance, Dance Vision, or NDCA also significantly boost salary potential.
Versatility and Demand
Teachers who can instruct multiple dance styles or offer choreography services have more opportunities to increase their income. High demand for certain genres, such as contemporary or Latin dance, can also elevate their average base salary in these particular areas.
Arguments to Negotiate the Rate
Here is a list of ideas that may help you negotiate a higher rate for your teaching time or may ultimately contribute to a higher monthly average total cash compensation, for example in connection with events.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Maintain a professional portfolio with class footage, student feedback, performance clips, and testimonials. This demonstrates your impact and makes your value visible and quantifiable when negotiating pay.
Pursue Certifications and Ongoing Training
Certifications from reputable dance organizations, as well as regular attendance at industry conventions or training programs, signal that you’re serious about professional growth and bring up-to-date knowledge to your classes.
Introduce a Membership App
If you are an independent instructor and you rent out a gym space for hours, make it easier to organize bookings. Let clients book sessions, make payments, and get reminders through a branded membership app.
Leverage Software to Build a Professional Image
Position yourself as a forward-thinking, trend-aware instructor by actively using and recommending professional tools. Software like WodGuru not only help you stay organized but also show studio owners that you’re committed to high standards.
When you walk into a negotiation with insights about dance studio management software that improve school operations, you present yourself as a partner in growth – not just a contractor. This tech-savvy professionalism can be a powerful argument for raising your rate.
With better group fitness software in place, you’ll free up time to:
- Take on more dance lessons
- Run specialty classes or workshops
- Organize dance events to boost your community engagement
Manage your gym
like a pro
Get more online bookings and increase your gym profit
Organize Events to Boost Visibility and Revenue
Take initiative by organizing gym events such as student showcases, themed dance nights, or mini-competitions. These not only generate additional revenue for the studio but also increase community engagement and visibility.
Being the instructor who spearheads successful events shows leadership, creativity, and a commitment to the studio’s success. Highlighting this kind of contribution in negotiations gives you a strong edge, as it proves you’re invested in the business – not just your own classes.
FAQ
The average base salary for a dance teacher in the U.S. is around $47,909 per year, or roughly $23.95 per hour. The answer to “How much does a dance teacher earn?” can vary based on genre, expertise, and location. Some teachers earn more through certifications and workshops, increasing their average total cash compensation.
Becoming a dance teacher can be challenging because it combines art and human instruction. You need to understand both movement and how to teach effectively. While formal training or certification isn’t always required, it helps you grow in the job and continue developing professionally.
This job blends passion and art, allowing you to inspire others while staying physically active. It offers flexible hours, personal fulfillment, and the opportunity to continue learning. Salaries may vary, but the average base salary is competitive, especially when factoring in hour-based pay and additional income from workshops or events.
