Exotic Dancer Salary
Hi bohemians! What a year 2020 has been amiright? It’s so crazy everything that’s been going on. One thing that hasn’t been certain is the future of the clubs and the industry in general. I mean how can you possibly do a service industry job right now and expect to make money. That being said, I do know that since unemployment is at an all-time high, some of you may be thinking of getting into the industry or coming out of retirement.
Good news! Even though some clubs are closed, not all of them are and trust me they aren’t going anywhere. Clubs will always be around and when they are back open be prepared. There will be a ton of pent up demand.
Today’s topic comes from what I get asked fairly often: How much can you make as a dancer? What is an exotic dancer salary? And maybe what can you expect to make on a yearly basis? All this and more will be covered below, so read on!
Exotic Dancer Salary
Depends on how much you work and where you live. Period.
Clubs that are in cities will typically make more. Clubs that are in hard to reach areas or don’t have much competition will also make more. Clubs located in conservative towns or cities will make less. Clubs with a lot of competition will make less. Upscale, famous or well-known clubs will make more but will be harder to get into.
And then how often you work = how much you make. The more you work, the more you can expect to make as with any job. Since this is a sales job, the more you are actively searching to close sales the more commissions you will make. Of course, these are pre-COVID numbers but I’ll run them for you, take a look:
PART-TIME DANCERS
2 -3 Shifts per week AVG. $300-$500 per shift = $600-1500/ week
Part time dancers usually only work 44-48 weeks out of the year
Total: $26,400 - $72,000
FULL TIME DANCERS
5-6 Shifts per week $400-$1000 per shift = $2000 - $6000/ week
Full time dancers usually work 44-48 weeks out of the year (excluding for vacation, holidays, sick days etc)
Total: $88,000 - $288,000
Just typing that made me laugh because let’s be real – only the top 1% of dancers make $288k
The median that full time dancers make is more on the low end. About $70k-$90k per year BEFORE taxes.
If you are savvy you can get tax breaks on some things but for the most part if you are paying for school, or trying to buy a house you need proof of income which you can utilize a bank. Some clubs make you declare your tips and keep track of funny money. This means a 1099 and you will be responsible for 15% self-employment tax (if you work in the United States).
Part time dancers will never make as much per night as full-time dancers because they will not have the same regular type clientele. Regulars clients like girls who are there are the time and well…regular. Also treating the job like a business or “real job” will ensure that you just make more money overall.
I have heard of dancers making close to $200k a year in the larger cities like NYC or Vegas. When I was dancing part time I made about $1000-1500 per week and took home about $50k a year without really trying. The years I put more effort in I would make closer to the $80-$100k mark but then I was dancing all the time and spending a lot more upkeep, traveling, house fees and taxes.
Some clubs and cities are also seasonal making more money during certain times of the year. I have also heard of events like the Super Bowl or Playoffs making dancers a lot of money (like $30k in one night) but I never worked in one of the hosting cities during those events.
You also have to understand that you make more but you pay for more too. No sick days, no health insurance and you can’t go in to work if you’re injured, no workers compensation or unemployment (that has changed a little with COVID-19 though). You pay more overhead for clothes, shoes, hair and makeup. Some of these things are tax deductible but when I was working full time I was paying for more stuff too. I could EASILY spend $20k on personal upkeep working full time. Also dining out since you don’t really have time to cook and cleaning services for the same reason.
As you can see exotic dancing salary can widely vary but you can expect to make a certain amount regardless of where you work. It is rumored you will make the most your first 6 months starting out so save up. I also found after a few years in the club I really made the most because I was the best at my job then.
Hopefully this can give you an outline of what you can expect to make as an exotic dancer either full or part time. Have a question about $$$ or cities to work? Leave a comment below!
Love & glitter - BW
