How to Become a Choreographers in California
Choreographers in California earn a median salary of $61,320/year, which is 10% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.3%. After taxes and rent, a choreographers takes home approximately $2,697/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a choreographers can afford in California
Becoming a choreographers in California
Meet education requirements
Choreographers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many choreographers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for choreographerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 800 choreographers. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
Choreographers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $65K | $31.21/hr | 190 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $62K | $29.95/hr | 70 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $61K | $29.37/hr | 240 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $57K | $27.56/hr | 60 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $57K | $27.37/hr | 70 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $52K | $25.22/hr | 40 |
Choreographers salary range in California
Choreographers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a choreographers make in California?▼
The median choreographers salary in California is $61,320 per year ($29.48/hr). This is 10% above the national median of $55,600. Salaries range from $39,230 to $106,920.
What are the requirements to become a choreographers in California?▼
Choreographers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a choreographers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $61,320, a choreographers in California would take home approximately $4,109/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 34.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for choreographers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for choreographers in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($64,910), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($62,300), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($61,090). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for choreographers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.3%. On a $61,320 salary, this means roughly $2,004/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.