- Salary statistics
- Dancers, step
Dancers, step
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Dancers, step
What does a tap dancer do? – Tasks and work environment
A tap dancer specializes in a dance form where rhythmic movements and sounds are created using special shoes with metal plates on the soles. Tasks include training, rehearsals, and performances on stage, often in musical productions, shows, or dance companies. Many also work as instructors in tap dance at dance schools, leisure centers, or as freelancers. The work environment is characterized by intense physical effort, often with irregular hours and periods of travel, especially during tours or guest appearances. Stages, dance studios, and training facilities are the most common workplaces for professionals in this field.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, tap dancers have experienced a clear increase in salary. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, rising to 39 614 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 39 779 SEK per month. This represents an increase of approximately 22% from 2022 to 2024. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for dancers with specialized skills and improved working conditions in the performing arts sector. Although the salary increase from 2023 to 2024 is marginal, the development marks a recovery for the profession after periods of uncertainty during the pandemic.
Tap dancer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a tap dancer, a combination of formal dance education and extensive practical experience is typically required. Many start at a young age at dance schools and then pursue specialized courses in tap. Formal dance education, such as through cultural or dance high schools, is common and often supplemented with workshops and further training both in Sweden and abroad. Internships, auditions, and competitions are important steps toward a professional career.
- Formal education: Dance high school (3 years) or vocational dance training
- Special courses: Focus on tap dance at dance schools or folk high schools
- Practical experience: Regular stage performances and auditions
- Prerequisites: Physical fitness, musicality, and sense of rhythm
- Further training: Workshops and international courses in tap
Tap dance holds a unique place in performing arts by allowing the dancer to create both rhythm and music with their feet. This dual role requires not only technical skill but also the ability to express musically and theatrically – something that distinguishes tap dancers from many other dance professions.
Common benefits and compensations
Tap dancers often receive allowances for travel and meals, especially during tours or guest appearances. Employers may also offer wellness allowances, subsidized training opportunities, and insurance. Longer engagements sometimes include collective agreements covering holiday pay, sick pay, and pension contributions. Freelancers typically negotiate individual terms and fees.
Competition and challenges
The profession of tap dancing is characterized by fierce competition for permanent positions and freelance assignments. Since tap is a niche dance form, there are fewer permanent engagements compared to other dance styles. High physical demands and injury risks are common, requiring regular training and preventative measures. Irregular hours and periods of uncertainty about assignment lengths are additional challenges. Many dancers need to supplement their income with teaching or other roles within the performing arts to ensure financial stability.
Tips for aspiring tap dancers
To succeed as a tap dancer, it’s important to combine endurance and passion with goal-oriented effort. Daily practice and working with experienced teachers strengthen both technique and musicality, which are crucial for standing out in auditions. Creativity and an open attitude to blending tap with other dance styles can open new opportunities. Social skills are vital for networking and collaborating in dance companies or projects. Lastly, patience and perseverance are needed, as the path to permanent employment is often long and competitive.
Key facts about Tap Dancers
- Education level: Vocational dance training or equivalent
- Work environment: Stages, studios, and tours
- Typical employment: Freelance or project-based
- Available jobs in the profession: 620 positions (May 2024)
- Special skills: Rhythm and musicality in tap dance
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience, a tap dancer can develop into a soloist, choreographer, or dance instructor within dance schools and cultural organizations. It is also common to combine stage assignments with teaching or work in production and direction within performing arts. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for tap dancers, but within the broader category of “choreographers and dancers,” there are 620 available jobs in Sweden. Future prospects are mainly influenced by funding in the cultural sector and audience interest, but digital platforms and international collaborations can offer new opportunities for working dancers.
Frequently asked questions about Tap Dancers
- What does a tap dancer earn?
- The average salary for a tap dancer is 39 779 SEK per month. - Is formal education necessary to become a tap dancer?
- Formal education is common, but practical experience and specialized courses in tap are just as important. - What does the job market look like for tap dancers?
- There are 620 available jobs, but competition is high and permanent positions are rare. - What are the most common work environments for tap dancers?
- Stages, dance studios, and tours are most common. - Are there regional salary differences for tap dancers?
- There is no detailed information about regional salary differences. - What personal qualities are important for the profession?
- Endurance, musicality, creativity, and social skills are essential qualities.
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 Dancers, step has the SSYK code 2653, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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