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Dancer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Black Diamond Kids Center

Dance Director

Brentwood, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Looking for a passionate dance professional who believes in the transformative power of movement. Do you dream of building something extraordinary from the ground up? Black Diamond Kids Center is ...

California Sports Center

Dance Instructor

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

By our dancer's smiles, progress, recital performances, and family loyalty. CSC Instructors partner with site leadership to ensure outstanding customer experience for our students, parents, and staff.

California Sports Center

Dance Instructor

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

By our dancer's smiles, progress, recital performances, and family loyalty. CSC Instructors partner with site leadership to ensure outstanding customer experience for our students, parents, and staff.

California Sports Center

Dance Instructor

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

By our dancer's smiles, progress, recital performances, and family loyalty. CSC Instructors partner with site leadership to ensure outstanding customer experience for our students, parents, and staff.

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All JobsDancer JobsDancer Jobs in California

Dancer information

See California salary details

$13

$15

$18

How much do dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dancer in California is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dancer?

A professional dancer is a person that performs choreographed body movements, usually as part of a show or production. Dancers are highly trained and skillful artists that commit many long hours of practice and discipline to their trade. Many dancers begin as early as age five and continue training throughout their adult lives to develop their skills and balance. As performers, dancers may be the main performers in a production, like a ballet, or they may be a part of another stage performance and dance while a musician or band plays live music.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dancer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dancer, you need strong technical proficiency in various dance styles, physical fitness, and typically formal training or a degree in dance. Familiarity with choreography software, stage equipment, and sometimes certification in specialties like teaching or fitness dance can be beneficial. Creativity, discipline, adaptability, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this profession. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering compelling performances, maintaining physical health, and collaborating successfully with choreographers and other performers.

What are some common challenges dancers face when working in a professional company, and how can they overcome them?

Professional dancers often encounter challenges such as rigorous rehearsal schedules, physical strain, and the need to quickly adapt to new choreography or styles. Balancing personal health with demanding performance commitments can be difficult, making injury prevention and self-care essential. Additionally, dancers must work collaboratively with choreographers, fellow dancers, and production teams, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Building resilience, maintaining a structured self-care routine, and fostering positive relationships within the company can help dancers navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Dancer vs Choreographer?

AspectDancerChoreographer
Required CredentialsDance training, sometimes formal educationDance experience, often formal training, and choreography skills
Work EnvironmentPerforming on stage, in music videos, or at eventsCreating dance routines, rehearsing with dancers, and directing performances
Industry UsagePerformers in theater, dance companies, entertainment showsDesigning dance routines for performances, shows, and productions

While dancers perform choreographed routines, choreographers create and design those routines. Dancers focus on executing dance movements, whereas choreographers develop the artistic vision and structure of the dance. Both roles often collaborate closely in the dance industry, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

How do I get a job as a dancer?

To get a job as a dancer, develop strong technical skills through training or dance classes, build a professional portfolio or audition reel, and gain experience by performing at local events or in productions. Networking with industry professionals and applying to dance companies, theaters, or entertainment venues are also essential steps.

What does a dancer get paid?

Dancers' pay varies widely based on the type of dance, experience, location, and employment setting. Professional dancers in theaters, television, or film can earn from $20,000 to over $100,000 annually, while those working as freelance or in smaller venues may earn less, often paid per performance or hour. Additional income may come from tips, teaching, or choreography work.

What is the best job for a dancer?

The best job for a dancer often involves performing in dance companies, theater productions, or as a freelance artist. Many dancers also find employment as dance instructors, choreographers, or in entertainment industries such as film, television, and music videos, requiring strong technical skills and physical fitness.

What jobs can I do as a dancer?

As a dancer, you can work as a performer in theaters, dance companies, or on tour, or find employment as a dance instructor or choreographer. Opportunities also exist in entertainment industries such as film, television, music videos, and commercial advertising, often requiring strong technical skills and performance experience.
More about Dancer jobs

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Dancer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dancer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,106 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Dance Leadership Associate

West Valley Dance Company

San Jose, CA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Join the West Valley Dance Company Leadership Development Program!

West Valley Dance Company is a premier dance studio with locations in San Jose, Willow Glen, and Mountain View, offering professional dance education for dancers of all ages and skill levels. As a subdivision of Action Day Schools, WVDC blends high-quality dance training with a deep commitment to child development, confidence building, and community.

WVDC is looking for one exceptional dance professional to join our Leadership Development Program. This is more than a teaching position. It's a unique full time opportunity for someone who is passionate about dance, competition, choreography, mentorship, and building a long term career in dance leadership.

As one of the Bay Area's fastest-growing dance organizations, we are investing in the future of our programs by developing exceptional leaders from within. We are looking for someone who wants to make a lasting impact on dancers, families, and our studio while growing personally and professionally.

As a Dance Leadership Associate, you'll gain hands-on experience across every aspect of our programs while working alongside an experienced leadership team.

Responsibilities include:

  • Teach recreational and competitive dance classes.
  • Help develop and strengthen our competition teams.
  • Mentor assistant teachers and younger dancers.
  • Support rehearsals, conventions, and competitions.
  • Assist with auditions, casting, and team development.
  • Help recruit and inspire future dancers and instructors.
  • Collaborate with studio leadership on new ideas, programming, and special events.
  • Continue developing your artistry, teaching, and leadership skills through coaching and mentorship.

Compensation: $30.00–$45.00/hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Plus opportunities for additional compensation through choreography, private lessons, special events, and leadership responsibilities!

Why West Valley Dance Company?

At WVDC, we believe great leaders are developed, not simply hired.

You'll receive mentorship from experienced leaders while helping shape one of Northern California's premier dance programs. As our organization continues to grow, so will your opportunities for increased responsibility, leadership, and career advancement. If you're looking for more than a teaching job and want to build a meaningful career in dance leadership, we'd love to meet you!

Full Time | Competitive Compensation | Professional Development | Leadership Growth | Performance Opportunities

Requirements

We're looking for someone who:

  • Has strong technical training across multiple dance styles.
  • Loves working with children of all ages.
  • Is energetic, positive, and highly motivated.
  • Is organized, dependable, and eager to learn.
  • Is a natural mentor and team player.
  • Wants to grow into a long term leadership role within an expanding organization.
  • Is excited by the opportunity to help build something special.

Competition experience, choreography experience, and previous teaching experience are highly valued.

Benefits

Benefits for employees who work 30 hrs+ per week include:

  • Vacation, sick, and holiday pay- including a paid holiday closure at the end of December!
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • FSA
  • Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Childcare/Private Education Tuition Discount Benefits at our parent company, Action Day Schools. At WVDC, it is our goal to enrich the lives of both you and your children!