Dance producer, business-oriented manager

What does a dance producer – operationally close manager – do? Tasks and work environment

A dance producer with operational managerial responsibilities leads, coordinates, and develops dance productions and is responsible for driving projects from idea to finished performance. The work includes budget planning, personnel management, scheduling, and ongoing contact with choreographers, dancers, and technical staff. The role often involves ensuring both artistic quality and efficient production, while also monitoring the achievement of set goals and guidelines. The work environment is dynamic and characterized by a fast pace, tight deadlines, and varied tasks, often in close collaboration with both internal and external partners within performing arts and culture.

Salary development over time

The salary for dance producers with operational managerial responsibilities has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,400 SEK per month, which increased to 47 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has stabilized at 45 700 SEK per month. This development corresponds to an increase of about 5.3% between 2022 and 2023, but a marginal decrease of 2.8% between 2023 and 2024. The salary trend reflects an increased focus on leadership and project management within dance, but also a certain saturation in demand for managerial roles in the cultural sector, affecting salary levels and competition for positions.

Dance producer, operationally close manager salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 54,000 SEK/month (male, private employee)
• Hourly wage: 275 SEK
• Women: 47 400 SEK/month
• Men: 44 100 SEK/month
• Women earn: 107% of men's salary

Education and qualifications

To work as a dance producer with operational managerial responsibility, a post-secondary education of at least three years in dance, performing arts, cultural production, or equivalent is usually required, often supplemented with experience in project management and leadership. The industry values both formal education and practical experience, and many have also completed further training in management or cultural administration.

• Post-secondary education: 3 years or more in dance, performing arts, or cultural production
• Leadership training: Courses in project management and personnel responsibility are recommended
• Internship: Work placements or trainee programs within the cultural sector are common
• Prerequisites: High school diploma and documented experience in dance or production
• Additional courses: For example, administration, economics, and communication

Common benefits and compensations

Dance producers with managerial responsibilities are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, skills development, and sometimes extra vacation days or occupational pension. Employers within the cultural sector may also offer subsidized tickets to performances and cultural events.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as dance producer with operational managerial responsibilities is high, and there is a surplus of qualified applicants, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Opportunities for employment are considered limited nationally, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges include balancing artistic ambitions with budget requirements and administrative routines, as well as navigating an industry where funding and project support are often crucial for operations. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new working methods are important qualities for success.

Tips for those who want to become a dance producer – operationally close manager

To succeed as a dance producer with operational managerial responsibility, it is beneficial to be organized and have strong communication skills, as the work involves a lot of coordination and numerous points of contact. Engagement and creativity are important to work closely with the artistic team and understand the production as a whole. Being solution-oriented and flexible facilitates handling unexpected challenges during different project phases. Good leadership, combining empathy and clarity, builds trust among dancers and colleagues. Continuous skills development and networking enhance opportunities to find new assignments and collaborations. The ability to manage budgets and administrative processes is also crucial for taking responsibility for the entire production. Finally, resilience and patience are required, as the work often involves long processes and high work tempo.

Key facts about Dance Producer, operationally close manager

• Educational level: Post-secondary education, at least 3 years
• Work environment: Project-based and creative, often high tempo
• Gender distribution: Women have higher average salaries than men
• Demand: Limited job opportunities, surplus of applicants
• Number of available jobs: Approximately 620 nationwide in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of dance producer with operational managerial responsibility, it is common to move into more senior managerial roles, such as artistic director, operations manager, or producer within larger cultural institutions. Some choose to specialize in international productions or start their own freelance production business. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is considered stable but competitive, with limited new opportunities and an oversupply of qualified candidates. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but career development opportunities exist for those who continuously build networks and skills within performing arts and production.

Frequently asked questions about Dance Producer, operationally close manager

• What does a Dance Producer, operationally close manager, earn?
  - The average salary is 45 700 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 275 SEK.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 47 400 SEK, which is 107% of men's salary (44 100 SEK).
• What education is required to become a dance producer with managerial responsibility?
  - A post-secondary education of at least three years in dance, performing arts, or cultural production is recommended.
• What does the job market look like for dance producers?
  - Opportunities for employment are limited and there is a surplus of applicants, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and skills development are common.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels can vary depending on workplace and region, but specific statistics for the profession are not available.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Common next steps include senior managerial roles or specialization within larger institutions and international projects.