- Salary statistics
- Dancer, free dance
Dancer, free dance
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Dancer, free dance
What does a dancer within free dance do? – Tasks and work environment
A dancer within free dance mainly works with performing choreographed dance pieces, often in project-based or freelance settings. Tasks can vary and include everything from stage performances and rehearsals to creating original works, participating in workshops, and teaching. Free dance dancers often collaborate with choreographers, other dancers, and sometimes artists from other disciplines. The work environment is diverse, ranging from dance studios and theater stages to more unusual locations such as outdoor arenas or art installations. The profession is characterized by high physical activity and demands great body control, creativity, and flexibility, both in working methods and conditions.
Salary development over time
The salary development for dancers within free dance has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 kronor per month, rising to 39 614 kronor in 2023 and further to 39 779 kronor in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 22% over the period, with the largest rise between 2022 and 2023. This positive trend can partly be linked to increased focus on the cultural sector and improved conditions for freelance artists. At the same time, salary levels are influenced by project-based funding and access to public support, leading to variations between years. The demand for dancers across different genres and projects has also contributed to some stabilization of salary levels recently.
Dancer within free dance salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 779 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 239 kr
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a dancer within free dance often involves a dance education at the high school or higher education level, followed by specialized courses and ongoing training. Formal qualifications are common, but practical experience, auditions, and portfolios are also highly valued. Many establish themselves by participating in projects, networking, and building their reputation within the industry.
- Formal education: Dance education at high school or university (2–4 years)
- Courses and workshops: Specialization in various dance styles
- Practical experience: Work in dance companies or projects
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition and prior dance experience
- Ongoing training: Necessary to maintain technique and fitness
Many free dance dancers combine their practice with teaching or project management to create a more stable income and broaden their network within the industry. This versatility makes the profession dynamic but also requires great self-discipline.
Common benefits and compensation
For dancers within free dance, fees are often paid per project or performance rather than fixed monthly salaries. Other common compensations include travel allowances, per diems, and sometimes access to free training facilities. Some employers or projects also offer insurance and opportunities for professional development through workshops or courses, but the extent of benefits varies greatly depending on the nature and funding of the assignment.
Competition and challenges
The competition among free dance dancers is high, especially in larger cities where the supply of trained dancers exceeds demand for permanent engagements. Many assignments are short-term and project-based, creating uncertainty about income and job security. Networking and self-marketing are crucial to secure assignments. Physical strain and injury risk are other challenges, requiring continuous training and recovery. Additionally, the job market is heavily influenced by cultural initiatives and economic fluctuations, which can make the profession vulnerable during cuts in public funding.
Tips for those who want to become a dancer within free dance
To succeed as a free dance dancer, it is important to develop strong self-motivation, as the profession demands discipline in both training and self-marketing. Being social and proactive facilitates networking and increases chances of finding new projects. Creativity is an essential trait, as many dancers need to create their own performances or collaborate on innovative projects. A flexible attitude is crucial when working conditions and assignments vary. Building a broad skill set, such as teaching or project management, is also valuable. Good physical condition and recovery ability help prevent injuries and maintain a high tempo. An openness to continuous learning and adapting to industry changes provides long-term success.
Key facts about dancers within free dance
- Education level: High school or higher education in dance
- Work form: Freelance/project-based
- Average hourly wage: 239 kr
- Number of available jobs (profession group): 620
- Physical strain: High
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, dancers within free dance can advance to more senior roles, such as choreographer, project leader, or dance teacher. Some choose to start their own dance companies or work in production and direction. The Employment Service does not make specific assessments for free dance dancers, but within the profession of choreographers and dancers, currently 620 jobs are reported, indicating some demand. Future prospects are influenced by economic cycles and public investments in culture, making the job market volatile. For those who are flexible and willing to combine multiple assignments, there are still good opportunities to establish themselves in the field.
Frequently asked questions about dancers within free dance
- What does a dancer within free dance earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 kronor per month, with an average hourly wage of 239 kronor. - What education is required to become a dancer within free dance?
- A high school or post-secondary dance education is recommended, often supplemented with courses and practical training. - What is the job market like for dancers within free dance?
- The competition is fierce, but there are 620 available jobs within the profession according to the latest data. - What benefits can be offered to free dance dancers?
- Common benefits include project-based fees, travel allowances, free training facilities, and sometimes insurance. - How does experience affect salary?
- Salary levels tend to increase with experience and established contacts, but significant individual variations occur. - Are there regional salary differences?
- No available statistics on regional salary differences for the profession. - What personal qualities are important for a free dance dancer?
- Self-discipline, creativity, flexibility, and good physical condition are crucial for success.
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 Dancer, free dance has the SSYK code 2653, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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