Dancer salary in Rochester, NY
Dancers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $15.94 an hour, based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $15.50 for the lowest-paid 10% to $29.49 for the top 10%. That is 36% lower than the national median of $24.80. Pay here is 39% lower than the New York statewide median of $26.32. There are 0.10 dancers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.8× more common than nationally.
Pay range for dancers in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $15.50 |
| 25th percentile | $15.50 |
| Median | $15.94 |
| 75th percentile | $18.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $29.49 |
| Average (mean) | $19.89 |
Half of dancers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
BLS publishes only hourly pay for this job, because dancers often work irregular hours or short engagements, so a yearly figure would be misleading. At $15.94 an hour, every 40-hour week pays $637.60.
Dancer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median hourly | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $26.32 | 980 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $16.15 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for dancers
| State | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Nevada | $38.75 |
| Texas | $35.31 |
| Oregon | $30.80 |
| New York | $26.32 |
| Utah | $26.23 |
| Hawaii | $24.68 |
| Indiana | $24.46 |
| Kansas | $24.27 |
| Missouri | $22.51 |
| California | $21.79 |
See Dancer pay in every state or the New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,850 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $46.86 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $84,130 | $40.45 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,740 | $34.49 |
| Graphic Designer | $63,530 | $30.54 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,700 | $19.57 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,000 | $26.44 |
| Art Director | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Editor | $76,620 | $36.84 |
| Interior Designer | $58,130 | $27.95 |
| Floral Designer | $37,650 | $18.10 |
| Photographer | $42,260 | $20.32 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-2031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dancer make in Rochester, NY?
The median hourly wage for dancers in the Rochester, NY metro area is $15.94 an hour. Pay ranges from $15.50 for the lowest-paid 10% to $29.49 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dancers make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of dancers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $29.49 an hour. The top 25% earn $18.16 or more.
What is the starting pay for dancers in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $15.50 an hour, and a quarter of dancers earn $15.50 or less.
How many dancers work in Rochester, NY?
About 50 dancers are employed in the Rochester, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.