- Salary statistics
- Dancer, classical dance
Dancer, classical dance
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Dancer, classical dance
What does a classical dancer do? – Tasks and work environment
A classical dancer performs choreographed numbers in productions such as ballet performances, opera productions, and larger stage shows. The role involves daily training, rehearsals, and regular performances, often within institutions like opera houses, theaters, or independent dance companies. The work environment is physically demanding, with high requirements for technique, endurance, and artistic expression. Working hours vary and can include evenings, weekends, and travel related to tours and guest performances, which requires flexibility and good physical health.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, classical dancers have experienced a clear salary development. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, followed by a significant increase to 39 614 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary increased further to 39 779 SEK. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 22% from 2022 to 2024, which is remarkable in an industry where salaries have often been relatively stable. The sharp rise between 2022 and 2023 can be explained by changes in the job market, increased demand for qualified dancers, and improved collective agreements. Although the salary increase slowed between 2023 and 2024, the trend indicates that the profession is valued higher today than just a few years ago.
Classical dancers' salaries – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: Salary data not available for gender-specific statistics
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a classical dancer often begins with early specialization, typically already in primary school. Most professional dancers have completed extended training at a national or international ballet school. In addition to formal education, auditions, internships, and ongoing further training are required to succeed in the profession. Physical capacity, musicality, and artistic expression are central qualifications.
- Ballet training at high school or post-secondary level (3–5 years)
- Admission via audition to specialized dance schools
- Ongoing further education and master classes
- Internships or trainee programs at dance companies
- Good physical health and musicality as prerequisites
A dancer's career is often relatively short at the elite level, which is why many combine stage performances with teaching, choreography, or other roles within the dance world. The creative environment also offers great opportunities for international collaborations and cultural exchanges.
Common benefits and compensations
For classical dancers, benefits often include collectively negotiated pension, insurance, and wellness contributions. It is also common for employers to offer subsidized healthcare, stage costumes, and opportunities for further training through workshops or master classes. During tours, per diems and reimbursements for travel and accommodation are often added.
Competition and challenges
The profession of a classical dancer is characterized by fierce competition for the few permanent positions available, especially within larger institutions. The physical strain poses injury risks and requires high demands on recovery and discipline. Many dancers work on a project basis or have temporary contracts, making the job market uncertain. Additionally, the industry requires constant development of technical and artistic skills to remain competitive. The limited number of roles and high specialization mean that resilience and passion are essential to establish oneself and stay in the profession.
Tips for aspiring classical dancers
To succeed as a classical dancer, it is important to develop strong discipline and endurance early on, as daily training and rehearsals require long-term commitment. Being goal-oriented and open to feedback is crucial, as technical progress and artistic sensitivity are constantly tested and evaluated. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate touring and changing work environments, while teamwork skills are necessary for ensemble and project work. Finally, caring for your body and investing in recovery routines are key to a sustainable career, as physical strength and injury prevention are vital.
Key facts about classical dancers
- Education level: Ballet training at high school or post-secondary level
- Work environment: Stage, rehearsal halls, and tours
- Common employment type: Project-based or permanent positions at institutions
- Number of job openings: 620
- Future prospects: Not assessed due to limited data
Career paths and future outlook
After several years of experience, classical dancers often advance to more senior roles, such as soloist or répétiteur in dance companies. Some choose to further train as choreographers, dance teachers, or artistic directors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific assessment exists for the profession due to limited data, but competition for permanent positions is high, and the future of the industry depends on public investment and audience interest. However, the significant number of job openings indicates that demand for dancers and choreographers still exists, even though the path to stable employment can be long.
Frequently asked questions about classical dancers
- What does a classical dancer earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month. - How long is the education required to become a classical dancer?
- Professional dancers often have 3–5 years of training at a ballet school beyond primary school. - What is the job market like for classical dancers?
- Competition is fierce and most work on a project basis, but there are approximately 620 job openings in the profession. - What qualities are important for a classical dancer?
- Discipline, musicality, teamwork skills, and physical endurance are central qualities. - What benefits are usually offered?
- Common benefits include collectively negotiated pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and per diems during tours. - How long is a career as a classical dancer?
- A career at the elite level is often relatively short, but many continue in teaching or choreography. - Are there regional salary differences?
- There is no available data on regional salary differences for the profession.
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, classical 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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