Career Pathways

According to the most recent data from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), arts administrators in California can expect the following salary ranges:

• Entry-level arts administrators (such as program coordinators or assistant managers) typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually.
• Mid-level professionals (like development managers or education directors) often earn between $60,000 and $85,000.
• Senior-level administrators (such as executive directors or artistic directors at major institutions) can earn $90,000 to over $130,000, depending on the size and location of the organization.

These figures reflect averages across California and may vary based on the specific region (e.g., Los Angeles vs. Central Valley), the type of organization (nonprofit vs. commercial), and the individual's experience and education level.

As of 2025, an Arts Policy Advisor in the U.S. can expect the following salary range, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization:

• Average annual salary: Around $79,674 to $104,760
• Typical range: Between $63,000 and $127,500
• Top earners (90th percentile): Up to $144,000 annually

These roles often exist within government agencies, nonprofit arts organizations, cultural institutions, or advocacy groups, and may require a background in public policy, arts administration, or cultural leadership.

An artistic director in the U.S. can expect a wide salary range depending on the size, funding, and location of the organization:

• According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an artistic director is approximately $121,757, with most salaries ranging between $91,000 and $127,000.
• PayScale reports a slightly lower average of $60,514, with early-career directors earning around $44,654 and experienced professionals earning up to $104,000.
• Salary.com lists a higher average of $153,164, with a typical range between $113,293 and $201,435, reflecting salaries at larger or more prestigious institutions.

These figures suggest that while smaller or emerging companies may offer more modest compensation, founders and directors at established organizations can earn six-figure salaries.

As of 2025, a dance studio owner in the U.S. can expect the following income range, depending on the studio’s size, location, and success:

• Typical annual earnings: Between $60,000 and $80,000 after expenses
• Successful studios: Can earn $100,000 to over $200,000 annually, especially if offering a mix of classes, private lessons, performances, and workshops
• Average base salary: Around $38,975, according to PayScale, though this may not include Hourly rate: Averages $22.91/hour, with a range from $12.74 to $60.58/hour depending on the studio’s performance and region

Profit margins for well-managed studios can be 40–60% of gross revenue, making ownership potentially lucrative with the right business model and community engagement.

Pilates Instructors

• Average annual salary: $80,220
• Typical range: $50,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location
• Top earners (90th percentile): Up to $115,248 annually
• Hourly rate: Typically between $25 and $75
• Instructors who own studios or offer private sessions can earn significantly more.

Somatic Practitioners

While specific national salary data for somatic practitioners is less standardized, they often fall within a similar range to Pilates instructors, especially when working in private practice, wellness centers, or educational institutions. Estimated earnings typically range from $45,000 to $85,000, with potential for more depending on specialization and client base.

Professional dancers on Broadway can expect the following salary ranges:

• Ensemble dancers typically earn a base salary of around $2,200 per week, which translates to approximately $114,400 annually if employed year-round.
• Principal dancers or those in featured roles can earn $3,500 or more per week, or up to $182,000 annually, depending on the production and their experience.
• According to the Actors’ Equity Association, the minimum weekly salary for Broadway performers was $2,439 as of 2024.
• Dancers in New York City overall earn an average of $64,256 per year, though this includes a range of dance-related jobs beyond Broadway.

It’s important to note that Broadway work is often contract-based, and dancers may not be employed continuously throughout the year. Additional income can come from roles like dance captain, understudy, or swing, which offer extra compensation.

Professional commercial dancers in the U.S.—whether working in companies, freelance, or commercial settings—can expect a wide range of annual earnings depending on experience, location, and type of employment:

• Average annual salary: Around $40,000 to $71,000.
• Entry-level dancers: Typically earn between $32,000 and $45,000 per year.
• Freelance and commercial dancers: May earn more per project or performance, so income can be inconsistent. Some top earners in commercial work (e.g., music videos, tours, TV) can make over $100,000 annually, though this is less common.
• Company dancers: Salaries vary by company size and funding. Mid-sized companies may offer $35,000 to $50,000, while major companies (like Alvin Ailey or ABT) may pay $60,000 or more.
• Hourly rate: The national average is about $34.26/hour, with a wide range from $13.94 to over $50/hour depending on the job and location.

As of 2025, a tenure-track university professor in Dance in the U.S. can expect the following salary range:

• Average annual salary: Approximately $75,260
• Typical range: Between $61,000 and $91,700, depending on institution, experience, and location
• Top earners: Can make up to $194,530 or more, especially at well-funded or prestigious universities
• General tenure-track faculty average: Across disciplines, salaries range from $85,000 to over $150,000, with dance typically on the lower end of that spectrum

These roles often come with comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and sabbatical opportunities, which add significant value beyond base salary.

As of 2025, a non-tenure track university-level instructor in Dance in the U.S. can expect the following salary range:

• Average annual salary: Approximately $68,910
• Typical range: Between $56,500 and $74,500, depending on institution, region, and experience
• Top earners (90th percentile): Up to $85,000 annually

These roles often include lecturers, adjuncts, or visiting faculty who may teach full-time but are not on a tenure track. Compensation can vary significantly based on course load, union representation, and whether the position is full- or part-time.