How much does a Dance therapist make

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  2. Dance therapist
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Dance therapist

42 100 kr

Other health and medical specialists

33 200 - 50 800 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Hälso- & sjukvård

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dance therapist

Average salary 42 100 kr
Males 44 700 kr
Females 41 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Dance Therapist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Dance Therapist works to promote mental, emotional, and physical health through dance and movement. The profession involves using dance as a therapeutic tool, often in collaboration with other healthcare and social work professions, to help individuals process emotions, strengthen self-esteem, and improve body awareness. The work environment can vary from hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and psychiatric units to schools and private practices. Dance therapists meet clients individually or in groups and work with children, youth, and adults with various needs.

Salary development over time

The salary of a Dance Therapist has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK per month, increasing to 40 500 in 2023 and further to 42 100 in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.7% over three years. This positive salary trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized mental health services and a growing recognition of creative therapies within the Swedish healthcare system. Higher education levels and more employers valuing dance therapy have also contributed to rising salary levels. Despite this, some gender pay gaps remain, with women earning on average 93% of what men do.

Dance Therapist Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 42 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,200 SEK/month (female, high school education, private sector)
  • Highest salary: 50,800 SEK/month (male, research degree, various sectors)
  • Hourly wage: 253 SEK/hour
  • Women: 41 400 SEK/month
  • Men: 44 700 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 93% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Dance Therapist, specialized education in dance and movement therapy is required, often at university level, supplemented with studies in psychology and healthcare. Many programs include both theoretical studies and practical supervision. Certifications and internships are common requirements, and some employers also seek prior experience from healthcare, social work, or education.

  • Formal education: University degree in dance therapy (3–4 years)
  • Certification: Specialized courses in dance and movement therapy
  • Practical training: Supervised internships or traineeships are often included
  • Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility plus background in dance or healthcare
  • Further education: Courses in psychology, medicine, or pedagogy are recommended

Dance Therapists often work interdisciplinarily and collaborate with physiotherapists, psychologists, and doctors. This provides opportunities to broaden skills and contribute to a holistic approach in patient care.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Dance Therapists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development. Some employers also provide occupational pensions, extra vacation days, and subsidized training. In the public sector, salary exchange and collective insurance schemes may be available, while private employers sometimes offer bonuses and individual benefit agreements.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a Dance Therapist is relatively high, especially in larger cities where demand for creative therapies is greatest. Challenges include the niche nature of the profession and employer demands for broader skill sets or combined roles. Funding for services may depend on project grants or external subsidies in certain settings. Continuous further education is necessary to stay updated on developments in dance and healthcare. Despite these challenges, acceptance of dance therapy is increasing within the Swedish healthcare system, enhancing future employment opportunities.

Tips for Aspiring Dance Therapists

To succeed as a Dance Therapist, it’s beneficial to combine creativity, sensitivity, and patience. Developing strong empathy facilitates meetings with clients in various life situations and helps build trust. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as each individual and group has unique needs. Actively seeking internships or volunteer roles in healthcare and social work provides valuable experience and increases employability. Good communication skills help clarify treatment goals and collaborate with other professionals. Ongoing education in dance and psychology is essential to stay current. Lastly, a strong drive to work with people and a passion for the healing power of movement are vital traits.

Key Facts about Dance Therapists

  • Educational level: University degree (3–4 years), often with certification
  • Work environment: Healthcare, schools, private practices, or public sector
  • Demand: 375 available jobs nationally
  • Salary range: 33,200–50,800 SEK/month depending on education and sector
  • Gender differences: Women earn 93% of men's salary

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a Dance Therapist can develop into more specialized roles such as supervisor, trainer, or project leader within healthcare and rehabilitation. Some choose to focus on specific client groups like children, seniors, or individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions. Opportunities also exist to work internationally or in research projects. According to the Swedish Employment Service, the outlook remains positive with continued demand as dance and movement therapy become more established in Swedish healthcare. The number of available jobs within the profession was 375 at the latest measurement, indicating stable future prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dance Therapists

  • What does a Dance Therapist earn?
    - The average salary is 42 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on education, experience, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a Dance Therapist?
    - A university degree in dance therapy, often 3–4 years, plus certification and practical experience in the field.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Dance Therapist?
    - The highest salary is 50,800 SEK and the lowest 33,200 SEK per month.
  • In what work environments do Dance Therapists work?
    - They work in healthcare, schools, private practices, and public sector, often in teams with other professionals.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The profession has stable future prospects with 375 available jobs.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 04:42:07

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dance therapist is 50800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Dance therapist is 33200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 34600 kr 35100 kr
35-44 40100 kr 40500 kr
45-54 45600 kr 46400 kr
55-64 46400 kr 47200 kr
Snitt 93% 41500 kr 42100 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Dance therapist has the SSYK code 2289, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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