Let's Talk Money

By Danielle Jeal (Originally posted on Instagram in November of 2024)

Dance Education is a unique industry. We function similarly to most teachers but earn income as independent contractors, much like an artist or coach. As with any independent contract based industry there is a general lack of information for new educators, and a pervasive sense of secrecy around rates of pay. I firmly believe that dance educators would serve themselves, their students, and their studios better if there was a sense of community between us. Therefore, I chose to share what I have learned about payment in our industry publicly last fall. I have received wonderful feedback from many teachers over the past year on the comfort this clear and honest depiction of dance educator finances was to them, so I am sharing it hear with you too!

Please note that all rates of pay and projected inflation was based on 2024 averages and projections.

HOURLY INSTRUCTION RATES:

"New Teacher" -

$25-$35.00 per hour

5+ Years Dance Training

First Aid Trained

1+ Years Assistant Teaching or Teacher|

Training Equivalent

"Developing Teacher" -

$30.00 - $40.00 per hour

5+ Years Dance Training

First Aid Trained

1+ Years Teaching

"Professional Teacher" -

$35.00 - $45.00 per hour

3+ Years Teaching Experience

First Aid Trained

1 + Professional Development

Courses

"Senior Teacher" -

$45.00 - $55.00 +++ per hour

5+ Years Teaching Experience

First Aid Trained

3+ Professional Development

Courses

MONTHLY INSTRUCTION RATE:

$1200 - $4000+ per month

Teaching 10+ hours a week at ONE studio

qualifies you for a monthly rate.

The benefit here is that months with low

teaching hours will still provide a stable

income.

This is a good option for teachers who do

more than just teach at their studio.

Example: Admin work, costume work, etc.

CHOREOGRAPHY/LIVE PERFORMANCE/SHORT RUN:

This would be choreography for competition, or for a short production at a studio presented by students, NOT for professional live work.

$100 - $300 per minute of choreography + hourly rate for setting

This could be divided up over the course of many months for regular instructors.

CHOREOGRAPHY ON FILM/LONG RUN:

This would be choreography for a studio demo reel or for a studio filmed showcase, NOT for professional Film/TV work. For details on Film and Television please contact an agent.

$350 + per minute of choreography

So now that we know the typical rates of pay in North American competitive dance studio cultures, let's identify exactly what you are being paid for.

TA - No Dance Experience ($17.00 - $20.00 an hour on average)

• Child minding

• Directed Support

• Basic First Aid

TA - With Dance Experience ($20.00 - $24.00 an hour *** Unless engaging in an Educator Training Program)

• Child minding

• Directed Support

• Engagement with material

• Ability to lead exercises

• Dance Knowledge

New & Developing Teachers

• Dance Knowledge

• Educator Training or Experience

• Syllabus Design or Implementation

• Performance Knowledge

• Choreography

• First Aid

Professional Teacher

• Educator Training

• Educator Experience

• Dance Knowledge

• Syllabus Design and Implementation

• Performance Knowledge

• Choreography

• First Aid

Senior or Career Teachers

• Extensive Educator Training

• Extensive Educator Experience

• Extensive Dance Knowledge

• Expert Syllabus Design and Implementation

• Performance Experience

• Choreography

• Connections and Opportunities

• First Aid

Dance Educators (and studios) do not have easy access to the 9-5 work model, because we must work around school schedules.

The average studio is open 3:30-9:30 Monday to Friday and 9:00-2:00 Saturdays. There is a significant trend towards dancers not taking classes on weekends. This may be very positive for family and individual health and wellness, but it does effect the studio model.

The average dance educator is working between 15 and 30 paid hours a week. This does not include prep, travel time, or training maintenance, all of which are expected but unpaid.

For more details on income break down, such as savings plans, and net versus growth income please take a look at our detailed PDF available in our Downloads Section.

Happy Teaching!