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Professional Dance Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

themac

Recreational Dance Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

... Dance Instructor to lead our recreational dance classes and camps. You'll be responsible for ... Continue Professional Development: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and participate in ...

themac

Recreational Dance Instructor

Portland, OR

... Dance Instructor to lead our recreational dance classes and camps. You'll be responsible for ... Continue Professional Development: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and participate in ...

themac

Competitive Dance Head Dance Coach

Portland, OR · On-site

Supervise dance choreographers, assistant coaches, and competitive Dance instructors. * Manage ... Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development ...

Latino Network

SUN Extended Day Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

CANDIDATE PROFILE Latino Network seeks a bilingual mission-driven professional with bi-cultural ... nutrition, dance, creative writing, environmental science, foreign language, geography, LEGO ...

Latino Network

SUN Extended Day Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

CANDIDATE PROFILE Latino Network seeks a bilingual mission-driven professional with bi-cultural ... nutrition, dance, creative writing, environmental science, foreign language, geography, LEGO ...

Latino Network

SUN Extended Day Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

CANDIDATE PROFILE Latino Network seeks a bilingual mission-driven professional with bi-cultural ... nutrition, dance, creative writing, environmental science, foreign language, geography, LEGO ...

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All JobsProfessional Dance Instructor JobsProfessional Dance Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Professional Dance Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$24

$78

How much do professional dance instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional dance instructor in Portland, OR is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a professional dance instructor do?

A professional dance instructor teaches individuals or groups various styles of dance, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, or contemporary. They demonstrate dance techniques, help students improve their skills, and often choreograph routines for performances. Instructors also provide feedback, correct form, and motivate students to achieve their personal and artistic goals. Lessons may be offered in studios, schools, or community centers, and instructors may work with beginners to advanced dancers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional dance instructor?

To thrive as a Professional Dance Instructor, you need advanced dance technique, teaching experience, and often formal dance training or certifications. Familiarity with music editing software, studio sound systems, and sometimes dance curriculum platforms is typically expected. Strong communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach students of varying ages and skill levels. These abilities are crucial for delivering engaging classes, fostering student progress, and ensuring a positive learning environment.

How does a professional dance instructor typically collaborate with other staff and departments in a dance studio or school?

Professional Dance Instructors often work closely with other instructors, choreographers, and administrative staff to create a cohesive learning environment. They may coordinate on class schedules, studio usage, and performance planning. Collaboration is key when preparing for recitals or competitions, as instructors often team up to choreograph routines, provide feedback, and ensure students are progressing across different dance styles. This teamwork helps maintain high standards of instruction and contributes to a supportive community for both staff and students.

What is the difference between Professional Dance Instructor vs Dance Coach?

AspectProfessional Dance InstructorDance Coach
CredentialsTypically requires dance certifications or teaching credentialsMay have certifications but often relies on experience and performance background
Work EnvironmentDance studios, schools, community centersTraining facilities, competition settings, private lessons
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, dance academies, studiosCompetitive dance teams, performance groups, individual athletes

While both roles involve teaching dance, a Professional Dance Instructor primarily focuses on teaching dance techniques and choreography to students in educational or studio settings. A Dance Coach, on the other hand, concentrates on training dancers for competitions or performances, often working closely with competitive teams or individual performers. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their focus and environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dance Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Dance Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:

Professional Dance Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Dance Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,837 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Dance Instructor

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

We are growing! Fred Astaire Dance Studios® is excited to be adding to our team of professional dance instructors. We are currently hiring for Dance Instructor. Whether you have years of dance and/or dance instructor experience or none at all, you could have a successful future with us! If you love interacting with people, having fun, helping others, staying VERY active, and having control over what you earn, you will love a career with Fred Astaire!
As a high energy, customer-focused instructor, you will conduct private and group dance classes throughout the week. You and your Fred Astaire team will help students to reach their personal dance goals through many different ways - from a single event to a lifelong journey of dance growth. You will have a unique honor to enhance people's lives every day. You will meet and work closely with people from all walks of life which will give you a level of personal enrichment you could never experience in any other environment.
We maintain regular studio hours throughout the week; however, we host many events that take place on some weekday evenings and some weekends as well which you will need and want to attend with your students.
Who we are:
Enriching lives - physically, mentally, emotionally & socially, through the positive, transforming power of dance.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios® is the leader in ballroom dance instruction across the country and around the world. Founded in 1947 with one studio on Park Avenue in Manhattan, we have grown our franchise network to 180 dance studio locations serving over 25,000 students! We are global family, proudly honoring the legacy of Mr. Fred Astaire, committed to pursuing excellence of life through dance.
We welcome everyone who is interested in starting their dance journey because we believe that dance is for everybody and for every BODY! People ask "Why do students stay with Fred Astaire Dance Studios®?" It is because of the atmosphere of kindness, warmth and care given and received at every location. It's what our students tell us they notice from the first time they step inside our studio - an energy and sense of "FADS community" that is welcoming, non-judgmental, and FUN!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios® has something for everyone. We offer group and private lessons, choreograph wedding dances or just prepare the happy couple and wedding party for the big day, provide opportunities to perform in beautiful venues, host local parties for dance practice and comradery and we host an average of 35 spectacular branded National, Inter-Regional and Regional Dance Competitions annually giving our students and professionals opportunities to compete in a variety of categories.
Requirements
Successful Dance Instructors:
  • Are self-motivated, enthusiastic and 100% passionate about dance.
  • Have outstanding customer service skills.
  • Understand what it takes to be successful and are willing to commit to the work.
  • Hold themselves accountable.
  • Are unselfish team players.
  • Eagerly accept coaching and feedback for improvement.
  • Have a positive outlook - cup is always half full.
  • Establish exceptional physical fitness/endurance levels to perform this role successfully.
  • Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with students of all ages.

Benefits
As a Fred Astaire Certified Dance instructor, you can expect us to provide you:
  • A high energy-fun filled work environment!
  • A variety of activities to participate in and offer students such as group and private lessons, performances, parties and competitions.
  • The best initial and ongoing professional dance training in the country.
  • A robust and well-established dance curriculum and program to teach the students.
  • Access to top-level national dance coaches to help further your dance skills.
  • Expert training programs to develop both your dance and business skills.
  • Professional advancement at all management levels including studio ownership!
  • Opportunities to compete and earn championship titles and prize money in both Pro and Pro-Am categories.
  • Beautiful venues to perform with another professional and with your students.
  • Travel opportunities.

Our compensation plan includes multiple components:
  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Multiple opportunities to earn bonuses.
  • Competition winnings
  • Benefits including: PTO/Vacation, Continuing Education, Health and Wellness Benefits

Apply