Dance teacher

What does a dance teacher do? – Tasks and work environment

A dance teacher works to instruct and inspire students in various dance styles, from classical ballet to modern dance and street dance. The profession involves planning and leading lessons, creating choreography, and adapting teaching to participants' age, experience, and conditions. The work environment can vary between cultural schools, dance studios, high schools, and folk high schools, but independent projects and assignments also occur. A dance teacher often has a flexible workday and works closely with children, teenagers, and adults, which requires high pedagogical skill and good physical condition.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for a dance teacher has developed from 33,200 SEK in 2022 to 34 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 700 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to a salary rise of approximately 7.5% over the period. The trend indicates stable and steady salary growth, with demand for educators in culture and dance contributing to maintaining salary levels. Increased awareness of the importance of cultural education and aesthetic subjects in society may also have positively influenced salaries. Despite this, there is still variation between different employers and regions, but the profession has generally experienced healthy salary development in recent years.

Dance teacher salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 215 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (men: 36 000 SEK, women: 35 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary variation occurs depending on labor market and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a dance teacher, a university degree in dance education or equivalent, usually lasting three to four years of full-time studies, is required. The education combines artistic specialization with pedagogy and practical training. Many employers also value supplementary courses, teaching experience, and personal dance skills. There are also opportunities to specialize further or obtain certifications depending on the focus.

• Dance education at university: 3–4 years
• Pedagogical courses and workshops: Often mandatory components
• Internships: Included in most programs
• Prerequisites: Documented dance skills and sometimes entrance exams
• Specialization: Possibility to focus on, for example, ballet, jazz, modern dance

Common benefits and compensations

Dance teachers are often offered benefits such as professional development, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Some employers also provide insurance, extra vacation days, and pension supplements. In the public sector, collective agreement benefits may include support for further education and subsidized cultural activities.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a dance teacher can be intense, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek careers in creative and cultural professions. The educational level among applicants is often high, and employers require both pedagogical competence and artistic skill. A challenge is that the labor market is affected by municipal and state investments in culture, which can lead to variations in the number of available positions. Flexibility and the ability to combine multiple assignments or freelance work are often necessary for long-term success. At the same time, the profession offers great opportunities for personal development and creative work.

Tips for those who want to become a dance teacher

To succeed as a dance teacher, it is good to have a strong engagement for both dance and teaching, as well as high patience. Being communicative helps create safety and motivation among students, while flexibility makes it easier to handle different groups and teaching situations. Creativity is an important trait that helps develop inspiring lessons and choreography, and the ability to collaborate facilitates partnerships with colleagues and other actors within the cultural sector. Building a broad network and taking initiative can open doors to new opportunities and projects within the dance world. Finally, it is wise to continue education regularly to stay updated in both pedagogy and artistic development.

Key facts about Dance Teacher

• Educational level: University degree in dance education (3–4 years)
• Work environment: Schools, cultural schools, dance studios, and independent projects
• Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
• Job market: 434 available jobs within the profession (2024)
• Future prospects: Medium opportunities, unchanged demand over 5 years

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many dance teachers choose to specialize in a particular dance style or work as choreographers, artistic directors, or educational coordinators. Others develop their own dance schools or take on roles as project managers within the cultural sector. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that opportunities for work as a cultural educator are medium and the job market is balanced. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, providing stable future prospects for the profession. The ability to combine employment with creative projects and freelancing offers further diversity in career paths.

Frequently asked questions about Dance Teacher

• What does a Dance Teacher earn?
  - A dance teacher has an average salary of 35 700 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, men earn on average 36 000 SEK and women 35 500 SEK, which means women earn approximately 99 % of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a dance teacher?
  - A university degree in dance education lasting 3–4 years is most common, often with requirements for prior dance skills and entrance exams.
• What is the job market like for dance teachers?
  - The job market is stable with 434 available jobs within the profession, and the outlook is considered medium and unchanged.
• Which workplaces are most common for dance teachers?
  - Most work in cultural schools, dance studios, primary and secondary schools, as well as within independent cultural projects.
• Is there potential for career development?
  - Yes, many advance to roles such as choreographer, artistic director, project manager, or start their own dance business.
• How big is the difference between the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK and the lowest 25,500 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.