Why We Love It
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4.6%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
Go-go dancers work for bars, casinos, nightclubs, and other venues where dancing is a major component of the entertainment provided. They dress up in costumes, wear provocative clothing, and dance to many different types of music to entertain crowds and get people in the mood to join in on the dancing.
What is a Go-Go Dancer?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in go-go dancer roles:
- Perform a variety of dances to entertain crowds and encourage dancing at nightclubs, bars, concerts, and other venues where music is a major component of entertainment
- Dance for long periods of time while working
- Design creative costumes—outfits, makeup, and accessories—for performances
- Audition for go-go dancing opportunities
- Promote performances to draw crowds and grow followings
A Day in the Life
Go-go dancing is often confused with exotic dancing, though the two roles are very different. First, go-go dancers generally do not take their clothes off when dancing. They don’t do lap dances or work for tips. The main role of a go-go dancer is to entertain crowds and get people in the mood to get out on the dance floor and join in on the fun. They are promoters and entertainers that perform at nightclubs, bars, casinos, concerts, and raves. They do not work in strip clubs.
Most go-go dancers are professionally-trained, career dancers. Before performances, they put together their costumes, do their makeup, and choose their accessories. In some venues, they may have designated uniforms, but in others, their goal is to find creative, provocative, and eye-catching costumes that will draw the attention of the crowd and get people in the mood to dance and have a good time.
Go-go dancing can be hard work. Dancers usually perform for 30 minutes to an hour at a time, take a short break, and then start dancing again. While they may have an idea of the type of music the DJ is going to play, the specific songs and beats are usually a surprise, so most of them are trained in a variety of dance styles so they can continue dancing appropriately regardless of what song starts playing. They also promote themselves and their careers by advertising their events and trying to grow followers. This helps prove their ability to draw a crowd when auditioning for new positions.
Typical Work Schedule
Most go-go dancers work evening and weekend shifts; they need to be available at hours when people are out in the world drinking and having a good time. Generally, they only work part-time.
Typical Employers
Some go-go dancers are hired by DJs to perform in a series of shows to help get the crowd in the mood to dance. Others work for nightclubs or casinos and are employees of the companies they work for. Some are hired by entertainment providers and work in multiple venues as needed. Finally, some find their own work and spend time auditioning for different groups, venues, and opportunities.
How To Become a Go-Go Dancer
Higher education is not required to become a go-go dancer, though many go-go dancers do have formal dance training. For most roles, only a high school diploma is required. Some go-go dancers learn to dance by taking dance lessons as children and adolescents, and they apply the skills they learned while studying dance in their youth to work as go-go dancers as adults. Others may have just studied dance on their own, or may have natural dancing talent with no formal education.
Many go-go dancers find work simply by asking other go-go dancers if they can audition. Entertainment groups, DJs, nightclubs, and casinos are frequently looking for additional dancers. Speaking with another go-go dancer may land aspiring go-go dancers an audition, and if they’re willing to get up on stage and look good dancing, they can land recurring positions at the venues they auditioned for. Other go-go dancers take a more formal approach and apply for open positions that were formally advertised.
Unfortunately, a career in go-go dancing has a time limit. For most, the work is too hard to continue after a certain age. Because of this, many go-go dancers work towards a bachelor’s degree in theater, arts, or dance. With a bachelor’s degree, they can qualify to work as dance instructors later in life when go-go dancing gets to be too hard on their bodies. Because these dancers get professional training while studying for a degree, they can qualify to teach a variety of dance styles.
Go-Go Dancer 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 Go-Go Dancer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Go-Go Dancer'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 Go-Go Dancers
- 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 Go-Go Dancer 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 Go-Go Dancers
| 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% |
