- Salary statistics
- Ballet dancer
Ballet dancer
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Ballet dancer
What does a ballet dancer do? – Tasks and work environment
A ballet dancer works on interpreting and performing choreographed works within the art form of ballet. The role requires both technical precision and artistic expression, with dancers working closely with choreographers, répétiteurs, and other dancers to create stage performances. The work environment is often characterized by intensive rehearsal periods, performances at theaters or opera houses, and regular physical training. Ballet dancers spend large parts of the workday in dance studios and on stage, where demands for physical endurance and mental concentration are high.
Salary development over time
The salary development for ballet dancers has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 kronor per month, which increased to 39 614 kronor in 2023 and further to 39 779 kronor in 2024. This increase corresponds to a total salary change of approximately 22% during the period. The significant rise between 2022 and 2023 can be explained by increased demand for qualified dancers, as well as more productions and performances starting up after pandemic-related restrictions. The salary increase has then plateaued somewhat, indicating that the market has now stabilized at a higher level. The lack of detailed data on gender or region makes it difficult to analyze potential differences within the profession.
Ballet dancer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Official data is unavailable
- Hourly wage: 239 kr
- Gender differences: Data is unavailable
- Regional differences: No reliable data
Education and qualifications
To work as a ballet dancer, a solid education in classical ballet is required, often with early specialization and long-term training. Most start their dance education at a young age and continue with formal training at high school and post-secondary levels. In addition to technical skill, good musicality and artistic sense are important. Ballet dancers also need to undergo extensive practice and often participate in auditions to establish themselves in the profession.
- Formal education: Ballet education at high school or university level, often 3–5 years
- Practice: Regular stage practice and participation in productions
- Prerequisites: Extensive dance experience, often from childhood
- Auditions: Mandatory for employment at dance companies
- Additional courses: Continuing education in dance, technique, and stage performance
Many ballet dancers also develop skills in other dance styles and performing arts, which provides opportunities for broader careers within the dance world. This versatility can be crucial for maintaining employability and creative development through different phases of their careers.
Common benefits and compensations
Ballet dancers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, free training opportunities, physiotherapy, and sometimes access to costumes and stage clothing. Compensation for travel related to tours and performances may also be provided, as well as pension contributions and health insurance through collective agreements.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the ballet world is fierce, with many applicants for each available position in companies and ensembles. Challenges include not only achieving and maintaining a high technical level but also managing physical strain and injury risk. Careers are often relatively short, which means dancers need to plan for future career changes. Limited employment opportunities and high performance pressure contribute to only the most dedicated and talented being able to establish themselves long-term in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become ballet dancers
To succeed as a ballet dancer, it is important to combine discipline and goal-oriented effort with a genuine interest in the artistic expression of dance. Strong physical endurance and good body awareness facilitate intensive training and injury prevention. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for handling different choreographies and work environments, while teamwork skills help in collaborating with other dancers and choreographers. Continuously developing technique and being open to feedback contribute to both personal and professional growth. Creativity and musicality are key qualities for interpreting roles and creating unique stage experiences. Last but not least, patience and perseverance are necessary to cope with the tough competition in the profession.
Key facts about Ballet Dancer
- Education level: Ballet education at high school or university level
- Work environment: Dance studios, theaters, and tours
- Typical employment: Permanent employment or project-based contracts
- Demand: 620 job openings in 2024
- Special skills: Classical ballet technique and stage performance
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a ballet dancer can advance to more prominent roles within the company or become a soloist. Some choose to further develop as choreographers, dance teachers, or répétiteurs. Future outlooks are difficult to predict, as the Swedish Public Employment Service lacks sufficient data for a detailed assessment of the job market. Nevertheless, there are a number of job openings within the profession, indicating ongoing demand for qualified dancers. Many ballet dancers also build networks and experience that can lead to career opportunities in related areas such as teaching, production, or administration within the performing arts.
Frequently asked questions about Ballet Dancer
- What does a Ballet Dancer earn?
- A ballet dancer has an average salary of 39 779 kronor per month. - What is the work environment like for ballet dancers?
- The work environment is characterized by dance studios, theaters, and regular physical training. - What education is required to become a ballet dancer?
- Ballet education at high school or university level, often starting at an early age. - How many job openings are available for ballet dancers?
- There are 620 job openings within the profession of choreographers and dancers. - How long is a career as a ballet dancer?
- The career is often relatively short due to physical demands, but opportunities for further education within dance exist. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Reliable information about regional salary differences is lacking.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Ballet dancer has the SSYK code 2653, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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