- Salary statistics
- Show dancer
Show dancer
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Show dancer
What does a Show Dancer do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A show dancer specializes in performing choreographed dance routines within the entertainment industry. Tasks include rehearsing and performing on stage, in TV productions, on cruise ships, in musicals, and at corporate events. Show dancers often work in teams and follow choreographer’s instructions to create visually appealing and energetic performances. The work environment can vary from professional theaters to temporary stages and often involves irregular hours, evening and weekend work, as well as travel between different venues. The physical demands are high, requiring technical precision, endurance, and collaboration skills.
Salary Development Over Time
Show dancers have experienced clear salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 39 614 SEK, representing a significant increase of approximately 21.5% from the previous year. In 2024, the salary continued to rise, albeit at a slower pace, reaching 39 779 SEK per month. The sharp increase between 2022 and 2023 can likely be explained by increased demand for live entertainment following pandemic-related restrictions and a continued trend of stage and production resumption. The salary level has since stabilized, indicating some maturity in the show dance market, where competition for qualified performers remains substantial but salary increases are now more moderate.
Show Dancer Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available for this profession
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: No available data
- Regional differences: No specific salary data per region
Education and Qualifications
To work as a show dancer, a dance education focusing on stage dance or show dance is usually required, often at a vocational college or dance academy. Many show dancers also have experience from high school arts programs or equivalent, and it is common to supplement with courses in various dance styles. Practical experience through auditions, workshops, and stage performances is central to establishing oneself in the profession.
- Dance education at vocational college: 2–3 years
- High school arts program, dance: 3 years
- Courses and workshops: Ongoing professional development in various styles
- Auditions and internships: Common for employment
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition, sense of rhythm, and stage experience
Many show dancers combine their stage work with teaching dance, choreography, or working with events to broaden their careers and increase job opportunities.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Show dancers are often offered additional compensation beyond base salary, such as travel allowances, per diems during tours, and sometimes wellness benefits. Some employers also provide insurance and opportunities for further training in dance or performing arts. Access to costumes and stage outfits is often included, and for longer engagements, pension and health insurance may also be provided.
Competition and Challenges
The competition for positions as a show dancer is high, as the number of available jobs is limited compared to the number of trained dancers. Many must be prepared to work project-based or on short-term contracts, and flexibility to change workplaces or genres quickly is often required. Physical injuries and wear are common challenges, as is the need for continuous further training to stay attractive in the job market. Since the profession is strongly dependent on the development of the cultural sector and the availability of events, workload can vary greatly over time.
Tips for Aspiring Show Dancers
To succeed as a show dancer, it is important to combine technical skill with strong stage presence and endurance. Regular training and development in various dance styles increase the chances of getting assignments, while openness and teamwork skills facilitate working in ensembles. Flexibility is key, as workplaces and productions can change rapidly, and being attentive and self-reliant is crucial. Building a network within the industry and participating in auditions regularly can open doors to new engagements, and a positive attitude helps manage periods with fewer jobs. Finally, maintaining good physical and mental health is essential to handle a career with a high pace and many stage performances.
Key Facts About Show Dancers
- Education level: Vocational training or high school arts program
- Work environment: Stage, studio, events, and tours
- Typical employment: Project-based assignments and short contracts
- Available jobs in the profession: 620 (May 2024)
- Special skills: Stage presence, choreography, physical endurance
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After 3–5 years in the profession, a show dancer can advance to roles such as soloist, choreographer, or répétiteur within dance companies and productions. Many choose to combine dancing with teaching, choreography, or work in the event and entertainment industry. Future prospects are influenced by economic conditions and funding for the cultural sector, and according to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific assessment is made for show dancers due to limited data. However, there are 620 available jobs in the profession, indicating some demand. To increase chances of employment, a broad skill set and willingness to take on various assignments, both nationally and internationally, are often required.
Frequently Asked Questions about Show Dancers
- What does a show dancer earn?
- The average salary for a show dancer is 39 779 SEK per month according to the latest data for 2024. - What education is required to become a show dancer?
- The profession usually requires a dance education via vocational college or high school arts program with a focus on dance. - What is the job market like for show dancers?
- There are 620 available jobs within the profession, but competition is high and many work on a project basis. - Are there regional differences in salary for show dancers?
- There is no specific salary data per region at present. - What personal qualities are important for a show dancer?
- Important qualities include technical skill, stage presence, endurance, flexibility, and teamwork ability. - How much does a show dancer earn per hour?
- The average hourly wage for show dancers is 239 SEK.
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 Show 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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