When you search for the top figures in the world of professional dance and cheerleading, one name consistently appears: Judy Trammell, the long-serving and celebrated Head Choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. A common question that arises is, "What is Judy Trammell's salary?"
While the exact salary of a specific individual like Judy Trammell is private information, we can perform a detailed analysis of her profession to provide a highly informed estimate. As a Head Choreographer for one of the most iconic sports brands in the world, her compensation is at the absolute peak of the field.
This article will break down the salary expectations for a top-tier choreographer in professional sports, using authoritative data to explore the factors that determine their earnings. A senior choreographer in a major market can expect a salary ranging from $75,000 to well over $150,000 annually, with roles at premier organizations commanding salaries at the highest end of that spectrum.
What Does a Head Choreographer in Professional Sports Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the scope and responsibility of this demanding role. A Head Choreographer for a team like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is much more than a dance instructor. Their responsibilities blend artistry with executive-level management and include:
- Creative Direction: Designing, developing, and teaching all dance routines for gameday performances, special events, and media appearances.
- Talent Management: Leading the rigorous audition and selection process for the team each year.
- Team Leadership: Mentoring and managing a large group of elite performers, overseeing their training, discipline, and professional development.
- Brand Ambassadorship: Ensuring the team's performances and public image align perfectly with the standards of a multi-billion dollar brand.
- Collaboration: Working closely with marketing, broadcasting, and game-day operations to integrate the team into the overall entertainment experience.
This is a high-pressure, high-visibility role that requires a unique combination of creative genius, leadership acumen, and business savvy.
Average Choreographer Salary
To establish a baseline, we must look at data for the broader "Choreographer" profession. It's important to note that national averages often include a wide range of positions, from part-time work at local studios to leadership roles on Broadway.
According to Salary.com, the median salary for a Choreographer in the United States is approximately $76,500 as of late 2023. The typical salary range falls between $64,800 and $88,200.
However, this data point is just the beginning. A role with the prestige and responsibility of Judy Trammell's would place her in the top 10% of earners in this field. For these elite professionals, Salary.com notes that earnings can exceed $99,500, and this figure can climb significantly higher based on the factors below.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A choreographer's salary is not a single number but a spectrum influenced by several critical variables. For a top-tier position, these factors are magnified.
### Level of Education
While there is no strict educational requirement to be a choreographer, a formal background in dance, theater arts, or fine arts is common. A Bachelor's or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) can provide a strong foundation. However, in this profession, a proven portfolio of work and an impeccable reputation often carry more weight than a degree. For senior roles, decades of demonstrated success, industry awards, and a powerful professional network are the true drivers of elite compensation.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant factor in determining a choreographer's salary.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): An assistant choreographer or a choreographer for a smaller, local organization might earn between $45,000 and $60,000.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): A choreographer with a solid track record, perhaps at a major university or a less prominent professional team, could expect to earn in the $60,000 to $85,000 range.
- Senior/Director-Level (15+ years): This is the category where a role like Judy Trammell's resides. With decades of experience, a nationally recognized brand, and director-level responsibilities, salaries regularly exceed $100,000 and can push towards $150,000 or more, especially when factoring in potential bonuses and media appearance fees.
### Geographic Location
As with most professions, location matters. Choreographers working in major metropolitan areas with large entertainment and sports markets command higher salaries to offset a higher cost of living and reflect the greater demand for their skills. According to Glassdoor and Payscale data, cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth offer higher compensation than smaller markets. Working for an NFL team in a major media market like Dallas provides a significant salary advantage.
### Company Type
The type of organization is a crucial determinant of pay. A small, non-profit community dance company operates on a vastly different budget than a globally recognized entertainment entity like the Dallas Cowboys.
- Local Dance Studio: Often part-time or modest full-time salaries.
- University Dance Team: Solid, stable salaries, but typically within academic pay scales.
- Broadway/Touring Production: High-paying but often contract-based work.
- Major Professional Sports Franchise (NFL, NBA): These are premier employers. A role like Head Choreographer is integral to a massive entertainment product. The compensation reflects this value, placing it at the very top of the industry.
### Area of Specialization
Choreography is not monolithic. A specialist in classical ballet has a different career path than one in musical theater. The niche of professional sports dance/cheer is unique. It requires choreographing dynamic, high-energy routines suitable for stadiums and television broadcasts, all while upholding the values of a major sports brand. This highly visible, commercial specialization is one of the most lucrative paths a choreographer can pursue.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for choreographers is stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for dancers and choreographers is projected to have little or no change from 2022 to 2032.
However, the BLS also notes that competition for jobs is expected to be keen, as there are typically more aspiring dancers and choreographers than available positions. This is especially true for high-profile, high-paying roles like those with major league sports teams. Only a handful of these top-tier positions exist in the country, and they are sought after by the best in the field.
Conclusion
While we can't put an exact number on Judy Trammell's salary, our professional analysis reveals the financial potential of her esteemed position. A Head Choreographer with her level of experience, leading the dance team for an iconic brand like the Dallas Cowboys, is among the highest-paid professionals in their field.
The key takeaways for anyone aspiring to a similar career are:
- Aim for the Top Tier: A role like this commands a salary well into the six figures, likely between $120,000 and $175,000+.
- Experience is Paramount: Decades of dedication, networking, and building an unparalleled portfolio are non-negotiable.
- Brand and Location Matter: Working for a major, commercially successful organization in a large media market is essential for reaching the highest earning potential.
The path to becoming an elite choreographer is incredibly demanding, but for those who combine artistic talent with leadership and business sense, it offers a financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling career at the pinnacle of the entertainment world.