Since its release in 1927, the Strong Interest Inventory® Assessment has been a tool used by job seekers to help them navigate the market and find a fulfilling career that speaks to their interests. This system has two steps: first, the job seeker takes a personal assessment that analyzes their preferred activities, environments and subjects. Then, the results are compared to a database of recorded responses of satisfied professionals in a variety of fields. The system recommends a category of careers based on the results of this assessment. For example, Choreography is considered to be a part of the Artistic Theme Code Category because Choreographers perform and express their personalities through their dance. Individuals drawn to Artistic careers feel a strong drive towards self-expression.

Choreographers have a number of responsibilities. At their core, they teach students and performers about interpretive movement and how to use dance to achieve desired artistic or emotional effects. This includes all of the planning, from auditioning dancers to coordinating with producers, to choosing the music, to designing moves for individual dancers, dance companies, television programs, and more. Their dances might be for beginners or even children, all the way up to Broadway stars. Choreographers often lead rehearsals and coach individual students, so, strong leadership skills and the ability to give specific feedback is important. In some cases, they may also need to demonstrate the correct move, so their ability needs to be on par with their vision.

In order to be successful, Choreographers also need to be knowledgeable. They need to study the storylines and scores for their own performances and consider how they can translate the moods and ideas into dance. Along the way, they may experiment with different styles of dance, steps, and placements, to find the arrangement that is best for the dancers, producers, and the audience. They may also need to get feedback from various stakeholders and integrate that feedback into their performances. Many Choreographers seek influence or inspiration from other art forms, choreographers, or performances. In some cases, they may even influence the set or stage design, costuming, or other elements of production.

Choreographers use many different kinds of tools and technologies, including music players and editors, electronic metronomes and stopwatches, notebook and handheld computers or smartphones. They may also use the stage or studio lighting system. Relevant technologies include databases for music, dance, and Choreography, as well as graphics and photo imaging software, like Chorel Technology Dance Designer and Credo Interactive Dance Forms. Nearly every Choreographer uses basic communications software, like Microsoft Office Suite and web browser software, and many have an increasingly large web presence, including social media and websites.

Choreographers typically have a strong foundation in the fine arts, as well as education, since much of their job is teaching others. Some knowledge of business and management, including leadership techniques and how to effectively coordinate people may also be helpful. Of course, they should also be proficient in English and any other languages spoken by their dancers, producers, and other staff. Most Choreographers are not highly educated—just 30% hold a Bachelor’s degree and 25% have completed some college without earning a degree. About one-fifth of Choreographers have only earned a high school degree or equivalent. That said, work experience and a list of achievements are far more significant for Choreographers than degrees earned.

Choreographers’ employment rates are slowly falling, with growth projected at -2% or lower in the next decade. Current employment nationwide is about 7,000, with an additional 1,200 jobs projected to open in the next decade. While the national median Choreographers Salary is just $47,800 annually, the highest-paid professionals in entertainment-driven states like New York can earn over $150,000. Some states have a very wide range while others’ is much narrower. For example, the lowest-paid Choreographers in New York earn just $35,360 annually, while the range in Nevada is about $40,000 to $70,000. The western states of Nevada, Washington, and Oregon are projected to grow roughly 10%, while most of the rest of the country is projected to experience a decline.

Below are some employment trends Choreographers:

• Choreographer Salary: $22.98 hourly, $47,800 annual
• Employment: 7,000 employees
• Projected growth (2018-2028): Decline (-2% or lower)
• Projected job openings (2018-2028): 1,200

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2014-2022 employment projections]

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Gain access to your best-fit careers, occupational preferences and interests with these career based Strong Interest Inventory® and MBTI® Assessments:

 

Explore our Strong Interest Inventory® Blog Pages:

• Strong Interest Inventory Realistic Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Artistic Theme Explained
• Strong Interest Inventory Investigative Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Social Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Enterprising Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Conventional Theme Explained 

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections Onetonline.org