How Much Do Choreographers Make? Broadway, Commercials & Dance Careers

A dance can look effortless. Making a living from it takes grit, creativity, and sometimes a one-way ticket with no guarantees. New York–based choreographer and director Mandie Rapoza takes us behind the scenes of a dance career, from Broadway rehearsal rooms to commercial campaigns for the NFL and Samsung. How much do choreographers make, and how do they get hired? Mandie breaks down day rates, Broadway associate pay, regional theatre fees, and commercial work. We also explore how she creates movement, navigates contracts, supports unpaid projects, and keeps going when the next job is uncertain. Whether you’re pursuing professional dance, considering a creative career, or curious about the business behind the performance, this conversation reveals the passion, risks, and real pay behind making moves. Know someone who dreams of working in dance? Share this episode with them. Connect with Mandie: https://www.mandierapoza.com/ Explore more creative careers ➡️ https://www.howmuchcanimake.info/creative-jobs/ Send us Fan Mail Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HASSLE,  just 5 questions ➡️ Visit howmuchcanimake.info Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people. A former CBS Producer and a documentaries filmmaker.  During her years at CBS, Mirav developed a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.