Earnings Earnings of many professional dancers are governed by union contracts. The unions and producers sign basic agreements specifying minimum salary rates, hours of work, benefits, and other conditions of employment. However, the contract each dancer signs with the producer of the show may be more favorable than the basic agreement. Dancers on tour received an additional allowance for room and board. The normal workweek is 30 hours including rehearsals and matinee and evening performances, but may be longer.
Extra compensation is paid for additional hours worked.
Earnings of choreographers vary greatly. Earnings from dancing are generally low because dancers' employment is irregular. They often must supplement their income by taking temporary jobs unrelated to dancing, or teach dance to students. Dancers covered by union contracts are entitled to some paid sick leave, paid vacations, and various health and pension benefits, including extended sick pay and child birth provisions, provided by their unions. Employers contribute toward these benefits.