Why We Love It
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4.6%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
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Flexible HoursCareer Attribute
Exotic dancers may work in strip clubs, they may perform at private events like bachelor or bachelorette parties, or they may do both. They perform on stage, dancing and performing acrobatic tricks on a pole, or they may also perform lap dances with individual customers in secluded areas.
What is an Exotic Dancer or Stripper?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in exotic dancer or stripper roles:
- Earn tips by performing dance and acrobatic routines on stage at a strip club
- Earn money by providing individual lap dances for established fees, or earn money by performing strip teases at private parties
- Mingle with customers and engage in conversations to encourage private sessions and repeat visits
- Put together costumes, hairstyles, and makeup that are attractive and provocative
A Day in the Life
Exotic dancers may work in strip clubs, or they may perform at private parties. Some earn money through both types of engagements. For both roles, exotic dancers perform dance routines, acrobatics on a pole, and other types of entertainment. Some exotic dancers remove all of their clothing during performances, and others are required by law to keep certain pieces of clothing on. However, most strip tease sessions end with the exotic dancer wearing as few clothes as legally possible.
Most exotic dancers are self-employed. They are generally not employed by the clubs they work at and actually pay a fee to rent the stage and space used at strip clubs. Because of this, they do not earn an hourly rate and are dependent on the money they make from dances and tips to earn a living. While exotic dancers make some tips from dances performed on stage, they generally earn most of their money from private lap dance sessions. These are charged for by the song or by a specific time period.
Different states have different rules around what exotic dancers are and aren’t allowed to do. In some states, private lap dances are prohibited. Some states allow full nudity, some allow topless dancing only, and some require dancers to wear tops and bottoms. Some states prohibit touching between dancers and customers, where others allow minimal touching. Because of this, the day to day responsibilities can vary greatly based on where an exotic dancer works, as well as his/her own personal guidelines.
Typical Work Schedule
Because most exotic dancers are independent contractors and work for themselves, they can work as much or as little as they want. They can also set their own hours, though most tend to work evenings and weekends because those are the times when they can make the most money.
Typical Employers
Most exotic dancers work for themselves and simply rent space and stage time at strip clubs. However, some exotic dancers may work for the clubs they dance at, and some may work for exotic dancer services that provide strippers for private events like bachelor or bachelorette parties.
How To Become an Exotic Dancer or Stripper
No formal higher education is required to become an exotic dancer. In fact, many exotic dancers choose the occupation as a way to earn great money while in college pursuing a degree. The primary requirement for most exotic dancing roles is that you’re of legal age to work as an exotic dancer in your area. Each state has its own laws and regulations over age restrictions, as well as clothing requirements and other laws—so make sure to educate yourself on the legalities of the role before auditioning.
Becoming an exotic dancer is usually a matter of auditioning successfully. Some clubs will have amateur nights where they allow multiple aspiring exotic dancers to audition, and some will allow you to walk in on any night, get up on stage, and start dancing to prove you have the skills required. Physique may or may not be important—different clientele want to see different things—but stage presence and talent are critical. Whether you’re being hired by the club or just renting the space, clubs want exotic dancers who can draw crowds and will get rid of those that don’t have the right talents to appeal to audiences.
Succeeding as an exotic dancer that works for private parties is usually a matter of advertising your services at the club to receive invitations to work at events, or marketing your services in other ways. Some exotic dancers maintain websites and business cards, and others market services through a paid third-party provider that refers clients to the exotic dancer when appropriate. Some marketing and business skills can be helpful in this line of work since you’ll be accountable for generating all of your own income.
Exotic Dancer or Stripper Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
---Average
---High Range
---National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$9/hrAverage
$18/hrHigh Range
$33/hrHow do Exotic Dancer or Stripper salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Exotic Dancer or Stripper's can make an average annual salary of ---, or $18 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make --- or $9 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#815 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Exotic Dancer or Strippers
- 0.5% Doctorate
- 4.3% Masters
- 17% Bachelors
- 10.6% Associates
- 29% College
- 26.7% High School
- 11.9% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
13,0002024 Est. Jobs
13,600Job Growth Rate
4.6%Est. New Jobs
600How does Exotic Dancer or Stripper job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 600 jobs for a total of 13,600 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 4.6% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#456 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Exotic Dancer or Strippers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-employed workers | 2,000 | 100 | 0% |
| Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) | 1,700 | --- | --- |
| Other schools and instruction; private | 900 | 200 | 0% |
