- Salary statistics
- Belly dancer
Belly dancer
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Belly dancer
What does a Belly Dancer do? – Tasks and work environment
A belly dancer works performing oriental dance, often called belly dance, in front of an audience. Tasks include choreographing own routines, practicing advanced movements, and participating in performances at cultural events, restaurants, private parties, and larger stage productions. Belly dancers may also hold dance classes, workshops, and participate in international competitions. The profession often involves irregular hours, much evening and weekend work, and a work environment that varies between stages, clubs, and private events. High demands are placed on physical endurance, artistic expression, and the ability to adapt to different audiences.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of a belly dancer has shown a clear increase. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 kronor per month, then increased to 39 614 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary was 39 779 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 22% over the period. The largest growth occurred between 2022 and 2023, which can be explained by increased demand for stage performances after pandemic restrictions and a general rise in salaries within the cultural sector. Salary growth has then plateaued somewhat, indicating market stabilization for belly dancers. The industry’s salary levels are also influenced by the number of assignments, geographic location, and experience level.
Belly Dancer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No specific data
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a belly dancer in Sweden, no formal education is required, but many choose to attend courses, workshops, or training in dance and stage performance. Practical experience, regular training, and participation in competitions are highly meritorious. There are also opportunities to train abroad or through self-study, as belly dance is an international art form with strong traditions in the Middle East and North Africa.
- Courses in belly dance: From beginner to advanced levels
- Workshops and masterclasses: Often with international instructors
- Practical experience: Performances, competitions, dance groups
- Self-study: Online courses, video materials, and personal practice
- Prerequisites: Good body control and musicality are recommended
Many belly dancers develop a unique personal style and combine traditional movements with modern influences. This provides opportunities to stand out in the industry and create a niche, which can be crucial for being booked for larger events and international festivals.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, belly dancers often receive reimbursement for travel, costumes, and accommodation related to tours or assignments outside their home area. Larger events may also include bonuses, representation fees, and sometimes ticket revenue sharing. Some employers also offer insurance and wellness allowances, but this varies depending on employment type and employer.
Competition and challenges
The competition within belly dance is fierce, as many performers compete for a limited number of assignments and stages. Continuous development of technical skills and self-promotion are necessary to be visible to organizers and audiences. Many belly dancers work as freelancers, which means uncertain income and the need to arrange assignments independently. The industry is also affected by trends in entertainment and cultural events, which can cause fluctuations in demand over time. Physical strain and injury risk are additional challenges, requiring good body care and preventive training.
Tips for those who want to become a Belly Dancer
To succeed as a belly dancer, it’s good to combine endurance with a genuine passion for dance. Regular training and skill development strengthen confidence and stage presence—key qualities when performing before an audience. Creativity is essential, as original choreography and personal style often give an advantage on the market. Building a strong network by participating in competitions and collaborating with other dancers is recommended, which requires social skills and teamwork. A professional attitude towards bookings, schedules, and contracts is necessary to build trust with organizers and clients, while adaptability helps meet diverse audiences and stages.
Key facts about Belly Dancer
- Education level: Courses and workshops, no formal degree required
- Work environment: Stages, events, private parties, dance schools
- Employment type: Usually freelance or project-based
- Demand: 620 available jobs as of May 2024
- Special skills: Body control, musicality, choreography
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a belly dancer can develop into a choreographer, instructor, or artistic director within dance organizations. It’s common to combine stage performances with teaching or organizing own events. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for choreographers and dancers, no specific assessment is made for belly dancers due to limited data, but there are 620 available jobs in the group. Future prospects depend on cultural trends, demand for entertainment, and the individual’s ability to profile themselves in the market. Those who establish themselves may also find opportunities for international collaborations and larger productions.
Frequently asked questions about Belly Dancer
- What is the average salary of a Belly Dancer?
- A belly dancer has an average monthly salary of 39 779 kronor. - What does the hourly wage of a Belly Dancer look like?
- The hourly wage for a belly dancer is approximately 239 kronor. - Are there gender differences in the salary of a Belly Dancer?
- There is no specific information about gender differences in the salaries of belly dancers. - Is formal education required to become a Belly Dancer?
- No, formal education is not required, but courses and practical experience are highly valuable. - What work environments are typical for a Belly Dancer?
- Belly dancers work on stages, at events, private parties, and dance schools. - What is the job market like for Belly Dancers?
- As of May 2024, there were 620 available jobs within the profession of choreographers and dancers. - What benefits can a Belly Dancer receive?
- Common benefits include reimbursement for travel, costumes, and sometimes wellness allowances.
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 Belly dancer has the SSYK code 2653, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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