Occupation · SOC 27-2032
Choreographers
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Median wage
$55,600
$33,080–$94,090
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
3,430
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
250 mapped
Core skills
InstructingSpeakingCoordinationActive ListeningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessLearning StrategiesReading ComprehensionTime ManagementCritical ThinkingService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingPersuasionNegotiationComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationOperations AnalysisSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesTechnology DesignMathematicsManagement of Financial ResourcesOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisScienceProgrammingTroubleshootingRepairingOperation and ControlInstallationEquipment SelectionEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Fine ArtsEducation and TrainingProduction and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementDesignCommunications and MediaEnglish LanguagePsychologyPersonnel and Human ResourcesCustomer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingComputers and ElectronicsSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyAdministrativePhysicsMathematicsEconomics and AccountingPublic Safety and SecurityForeign LanguageTransportationTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyBiologyLaw and GovernmentBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalGeographyMedicine and DentistryChemistryFood Production
Technology & tools
Chorel Technology Dance DesignerCredo Interactive DanceFormsEmail softwareFacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSalesforce VisualforceSalesforce softwareSocial media sitesWeb browser softwareWord processing softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Thinking CreativelyPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsTraining and Teaching OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicDeveloping and Building TeamsScheduling Work and ActivitiesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGetting InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsSelling or Influencing OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationProcessing InformationMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsStaffing Organizational UnitsWorking with ComputersHandling and Moving ObjectsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsAnalyzing Data or InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic dance terminology and step sequences — identify and demonstrate under direct supervision during introductory rehearsal sessions.Instructor-led warm-up and cool-down routines — execute and assist with in a studio setting to support injury prevention for dancers.Rhythm and basic musical structure — recognize and apply when guiding beginner students through simple movement exercises.Dance movements and formation patterns — observe and document using handwritten notation or basic word processing software under trainer guidance.Assigned rehearsal schedules and protocols — follow consistently to support timely preparation for entry-level performance productions.Pre-selected music tracks or sound effects — review and match to simple choreographic sequences with direction from a supervising choreographer.Preliminary movement ideas — test informally with a small group of dancers in a studio environment to gather initial peer feedback.Introductory exposure to related art forms such as theatre and visual arts — draw on to identify basic influences during guided creative exercises.Electronic mail and internet browser software — use to communicate with instructors, access rehearsal materials, and research dance styles.Verbal instructions about body alignment and posture — relay accurately to dancers during structured rehearsal drills under supervision.
developing
Rehearsal sessions for small ensembles — direct routinely with reduced oversight, correcting dance steps and technique to meet production standards.Injury-prevention guidance regarding standing and movement mechanics — provide consistently to dancers during regular studio rehearsals.Rhythm, timing, and interpretive movement concepts — teach to intermediate-level students and performers across a variety of class formats.Choreographic patterns and formations — record systematically using spreadsheet or presentation software to maintain accurate production documentation.Dance segments for local or regional entertainment productions — stage and coordinate, managing logistics across multiple rehearsal cycles.Music, sound effects, or spoken narrative accompaniment — select independently to complement choreographic themes for mid-scale performances.Variations in dancer placement, step combinations, and style — experiment with during working rehearsals, soliciting and applying dancer feedback.Elements from theatre, architecture, and visual arts — incorporate into choreographic concepts when developing new pieces for established performance groups.Office suite and graphics software — apply to create rehearsal plans, visual layouts, and promotional materials for recurring productions.Personnel schedules and individual dancer progress — monitor across a production cycle to ensure readiness and address performance gaps proactively.
proficient
Full-scale rehearsal processes for professional dance companies — lead autonomously, delivering precise technical instruction across all stages of production.Comprehensive injury-prevention frameworks — design and communicate to dancers throughout a production, adapting guidance to individual physical needs.Advanced rhythm, musicality, and interpretive movement curricula — develop and deliver independently for diverse performer populations and skill levels.Complete choreographic scores including spatial patterns and technical nuances — record and maintain using specialized notation methods and digital tools for archival and transfer purposes.Complex dance presentations across multiple entertainment formats including stage, film, and live events — direct and stage with full creative and logistical accountability.Original soundscapes combining music, sound effects, and narrative — curate and integrate with choreographic vision to create cohesive artistic works.Iterative creative development cycles — lead by systematically testing unconventional dancer configurations, movement vocabularies, and spatial concepts based on structured feedback analysis.Cross-disciplinary artistic research spanning theatre, visual arts, and architecture — conduct independently and synthesize into distinctive choreographic works.Production budgets, timelines, and communication workflows — manage using CRM, spreadsheet, and presentation software to deliver projects on schedule and within resources.Non-routine creative and logistical challenges during production — resolve through critical thinking and sound judgment, adjusting choreographic plans without disrupting company momentum.
advanced
Organizational choreographic vision and artistic direction — set and champion across an entire dance company or entertainment enterprise, shaping long-term creative identity.Company-wide injury-prevention culture and movement wellness standards — establish and institutionalize, influencing training policies for all dancers and instructors.Mentorship and professional development programs for emerging and mid-level choreographers — design and lead to build sustained organizational talent pipelines.Institutional knowledge management systems for choreographic works — oversee, ensuring production records, notations, and digital archives are preserved and accessible at scale.High-profile or multi-venue dance productions with large ensemble casts — executive-direct, coordinating creative teams, technical directors, and production staff simultaneously.Strategic artistic partnerships with composers, sound designers, and media producers — forge and manage to elevate the creative quality of flagship productions.Innovation-driven experimental choreography initiatives — champion at the organizational level, allocating resources and creating structures that encourage creative risk-taking.Cross-sector collaborations with theatre companies, visual arts institutions, and architectural firms — lead to generate interdisciplinary works that expand the field's creative boundaries.Enterprise-level technology adoption including web platforms, graphical interface tools, and digital media — guide for production, audience engagement, and organizational communications.Strategic planning and resource allocation for performing arts organizations — execute using management frameworks that align artistic mission with financial sustainability across multiple seasons.
Also known as
12 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Ballet DirectorChoreographerChoreography DirectorDance ChoreographerDance DirectorDance InstructorDance MakerDance MasterDancing MasterMusical ChoreographerOpera ChoreographerTeaching Choreographer