1

Dancer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Instructor - Dance (Instructor I)

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$17.13 - $29.53/hr

Dance instructors have the opportunity to share their passion by teaching a variety of different dance styles to children in the community. Daily responsibilities include preparing for class, leading ...

Dance instructors have the opportunity to share their passion by teaching a variety of different dance styles to children in the community. Daily responsibilities include preparing for class, leading ...

Zumba Instructor

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Lead Zumba dance-fitness classes for people of all ages and backgrounds. * Develop class sequences that promote cardiovascular health, balance, mobility, and fun. * Ensure participant safety by ...

Showing results 21-40

Dancer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$18

$21

How much do dancer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for dancer in Seattle, WA is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $19.18 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dancer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Dancer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Dancer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Dancer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dancer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dancer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Dancer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Dancer job openings:

Infographic showing various Dancer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,197 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Instructor - Dance (Instructor I)

Parks Tacoma

Tacoma, WA โ€ข On-site

$17.13 - $29.53/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $17.13 - $29.53 Hourly
Location : Various Parks Tacoma locations, WA
Job Type: Part-time, 29 hrs per week or less
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $17.13
The current full hourly range for this position is $17.13 -$29.53.
Dance instructors have the opportunity to share their passion by teaching a variety of different dance styles to children in the community. Daily responsibilities include preparing for class, leading instruction, and cleaning up the space after class. Join our team and teach at one or more of our community centers! We offer classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and more. Instructors typically lead small groups of no more than 10 students, allowing them to build meaningful connections and make a positive impact in their community. Make an impact in your community and teach people your passion!
**Applications are reviewed as they are received. This position will remain open until filled.**
Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Parks Tacoma's mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it HereCome work with us and work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Provide fun, informative and exciting classes or learning opportunities in assigned program area.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
  • Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
  • Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
  • Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
  • Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties
  • Provide support to, and collaborate with, other department staff to assist with planning, preparing, and implementing programs.
  • Plan and prepare instruction materials or lesson plans or implement already established lesson plans.
  • Instruct, and/or teach participants using excellent citizenship, sportsmanship, and inclusivity.
  • Assess and evaluate student progress and provide feedback.
  • Provide each participant the opportunity to succeed and grow their skills through program opportunities.
  • Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment.
  • Track attendance reports as required.
  • Provide a positive attitude toward program participants and staff; encourage and serve as a positive role model.
  • Maintain communication with staff, participants, and/or parents/guardians as needed.
  • Stay up to date on trends within assigned program area.
  • Responsible for the designated site location program set-up and general clean-up.
  • Ensure program/facility rules, policies and procedures are followed; maintain and enforce safety standards and expectations.
  • Ensure proper use, care and storage of program equipment and supplies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • At least 16 years of age.
  • At least 1 year of related dance experience required.

Additional Information
HOURS/SCHEDULE:
  • Average up to 10 hours per week.
  • Instructors will primarily work after school hours from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays.
  • Classes are also offered on Saturdays, primarily between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of assigned recreation programs, activities, and services.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety guidelines and practices.
  • Skill in overseeing and instructing/teaching others.
  • Ability to handle conflict and solve problems using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  • Ability to navigate emergency situations.
  • Work with diverse groups of people in a tactful, effective, and respectful manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the community and program participants.
  • Follow instructions, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to safely perform job tasks in a variety of park and non-park settings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Work is performed indoors and outdoors.
  • Driving a district vehicle, and transporting patrons, is required for some positions.
  • Work various schedules including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
  • Ability to Frequent communication with district employees and customers.
  • Noise level is moderately loud.
  • Standing for long periods of time.
  • Walking, kneeling and/or crouching to demonstrating proper form.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion.
  • Ability to navigate emergency situations.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at .
Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
Enrollment in the the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS) may be mandatory.
Sick Leave: 1 hour earned for every 40 hours worked.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Are you at least 16 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have at least 1 year of related dance experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please let us know what styles of dance you would be comfortable teaching.
04
Please explain your dance experience (this includes education, performing, etc.)
05
Please list any teaching experience you have (this may include, but does not need to be limited, to teaching dance).
06
Which community center would you prefer to teach at? (Select all that apply.)
  • Eastside Community Center
  • Peoples Community Center
  • Center at Norpoint
  • STAR Center

Required Question