- Salary statistics
- Ballet Master
Ballet Master
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Ballet Master
What does a ballet master do? – Tasks and work environment
A ballet master is responsible for leading, organizing, and developing dance activities within a ballet ensemble or at an opera house. Tasks include instructing dancers, planning and conducting rehearsals, and ensuring that choreography maintains a high artistic standard. Collaborations with choreographers, directors, and other artistic leaders are common to realize the vision of performances. The work environment is dynamic and requires presence both in the dance studio and during performances, involving irregular hours and periods of intense work before premieres.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, ballet masters have experienced a clear positive salary trend. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average salary increased slightly to 39 614 SEK, representing an increase of about 21.5%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary rose further to 39 779 SEK per month, an increase of just under 0.4%. The significant increase from 2022 to 2023 can be explained by higher demand for qualified ballet masters and increased investment in dance within the cultural sector. However, the salary curve has plateaued over the past year, which may indicate market saturation or that salaries now better reflect the responsibilities and demands of the profession.
Ballet master salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: No specific information available
- Regional differences: No specific information available
Education and qualifications
Ballet masters often have a long and solid background in dance, usually with formal training from a dance academy or equivalent, along with several years of professional experience as a dancer. To qualify, both artistic and pedagogical skills are required. Many have also pursued further education in choreography or performing arts and completed additional courses in leadership and teaching.
- Formal education: Dance academy or artistic degree (3–4 years)
- Further training: Courses in pedagogy, choreography, and leadership
- Practical experience: Several years of professional dance experience required
- Prerequisites: Often audition and portfolio submissions
- Advice for aspiring: Engage early in dance associations and seek internships at institutions
Many ballet masters combine their work with mentoring young dancers and often act as a link between artistic leadership and the dance ensemble. This dual role requires both pedagogical skill and the ability to inspire others.
Common benefits and compensations
It is common for ballet masters, in addition to their base salary, to be offered benefits such as wellness allowances, pension contributions, and sometimes subsidized travel or accommodation during tours. Some employers also provide opportunities for further education and artistic development through international collaborations and workshops.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a ballet master is very fierce, as the number of permanent roles is limited and highly sought after within Swedish performing arts. Challenges include high demands on artistic leadership and organizational skills, as well as the ability to adapt to different groups and repertoires. Continuous professional development and staying updated on new dance styles and pedagogical methods are also required. Irregular hours, physically demanding work environments, and high expectations make the profession challenging but also rewarding for those with the right drive.
Tips for aspiring ballet masters
To succeed as a ballet master, it is beneficial to combine artistic sensitivity with strong leadership. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with dancers and production teams, while a structured approach helps plan and conduct rehearsals efficiently. Engagement and pedagogical ability are crucial for developing others and creating a positive work environment. Constantly developing one's own skills, both in dance and leadership, increases long-term career prospects. Flexibility and patience are important when managing changes in productions and ensembles. Finally, a passion for dance and performing arts is an essential motivator that helps inspire both oneself and others in this demanding yet fulfilling role.
Key facts about Ballet Masters
- Educational level: Dance academy or equivalent artistic degree
- Work environment: Dance studios, theaters, and opera houses
- Employment type: Often permanent positions at institutions
- Occupational group: Choreographers and dancers
- Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as a ballet master, opportunities exist to advance to artistic director, choreographer, or educator at larger institutions. Some choose to work internationally or start their own dance companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for ballet masters due to limited data, but there are a total of 620 available jobs in the "choreographers and dancers" occupational group. Competition for permanent roles remains high, but specialized skills and experience in teaching increase chances of employment. Future prospects are influenced by cultural policy initiatives and audience interest in dance, but the profession is likely to continue being both in demand and exclusive.
Frequently asked questions about Ballet Masters
- What does a Ballet Master earn?
- The average salary for a ballet master is 39 779 SEK per month. - Is formal education required to become a ballet master?
- Yes, typically a degree from a dance academy or equivalent artistic qualification, along with substantial professional experience, is required. - What is the job market like for ballet masters?
- The job market is competitive, but there are approximately 620 available positions within the profession. - What are the duties of a ballet master?
- Duties include leading rehearsals, instructing dancers, and developing dance productions. - Are there regional salary differences?
- There is no specific information available about regional salary differences for ballet masters. - What benefits are typically offered?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, pension contributions, and opportunities for further training. - What personal qualities are important?
- Leadership, pedagogical skills, and flexibility are important qualities for a ballet master.
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 Master has the SSYK code 2653, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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