Here’s how much the average actor gets paid.
Actors get paid a considerable amount for their work, depending on the actor and the particular project. A-list actors often command top salaries for roles in major films or television series, with paychecks ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Aspiring actors may start out with smaller projects that pay little to no money. Once an actor begins to build their portfolio and establish themselves, they can begin to command higher paychecks.
Regardless of actor experience or recognition, every actor’s salary is governed by several factors. These include the actor’s star power, type of role they’re playing, size of the budget for the project and any residuals or royalties associated with it. Ultimately, an actor’s pay will depend on the negotiation between them and the producer or studio.
Acting is a profession that rewards hard work and dedication with financial compensation, allowing actors to make a comfortable living from performing on screen. It’s important to note though, that this level of success takes time and effort—and luck!—for most aspiring actors. All in all, actor pay is often considered a good investment for producers, as it helps to guarantee that quality talent will be attracted to their projects.
For actors, pay can bring a level of stability and security that provides the funds to pursue their next dream role. With the right combination of hard work and luck, actor’s pay can be quite lucrative.
Millions of people dream of becoming an actor but, a small fraction of those aspiring of making it in Hollywood know how much the average actor gets paid. While Robert Downey Jr. makes hundreds of millions a year, you would be surprised to find out how much the average actor gets paid in the entertainment industry. Like salaries for most careers, the amount of money that actors make each year, for the most part, are not public knowledge. Even though Forbes investigates and lists the biggest earners in Hollywood, little is known for the other actors in the film industry. But, a new report by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals how much actors get paid across America. We will break down the biggest industries for actors, how to find a job as an actor, and what the future for acting looks like for aspiring actors.
What do Actors do?
An actor’s job is to express ideas and portray a character in theater, film or television. They will take a script (or sometimes improvise) to entertain an audience What are the typical responsibilities of an actor? An actor’s responsibilities include the following: Actors meet with talent agents, managers, and other industry professionals before accepting a role.
- Actors read scripts and audition for a role before getting the acting job.
- Actors research their character’s personality and scene to play the role more convincingly to an audience.
- Actors must memorize lines.
- Actors must rehearse their lines and performance either on stage or in front of camera and audience.
- It is common for actors to discuss their role with a director, producer and other actors to improve their performance.
- Actors ultimately must perform their position following the director’s instructions.
Most actors tend to have a hard time finding steady work, and many actors rarely receive recognition for their work. Other actors can work as background actors or “Extras.” Extras are actors that have no lines but are included in a scene to make the scene feel more realistic. Some actors also do voiceover work or narration for audiobooks, animated movies, or other productions. For some acting jobs, an actor must learn a new skill such as stage fighting, choreography or any other type of talent. Most actors go long periods between roles and are often looking for other acting jobs. If you are currently looking for an acting career, read our guide to finding acting auditions and casting calls. 
Work Environment
According to the Burea of Labor and Statistics, actors had about 63,800 jobs in 2016. The largest employer of actors include:
- Self-employed workers (26%)
- Theater companies and dinner theaters (13%)
- Professional, scientific and technical services (5%)
- Colleges and universities (4%)
Actors tend to work at short sprints at a time ranging from 1 day to a few months. Actors often have another job to make a living between acting roles. There is a lot of pressure and competition, if you are an aspiring actor with no experience, read our guide on how to become an actor with no acting experience. Actors may be asked to work in unpleasant working conditions such as bad weather, under stage lights or performing in uncomfortable costumes.
Work hours for actors
The traditional work hours for an actor can be irregular. Work hours range from early morning, evening, weekend and holidays. Approximately 25% of actors worked part-time in 2016, and very few actors worked full time. Those working in theater may be asked to travel across the country. Meanwhile, film and television actors may also be asked to move to work on location.
How to become an actor?
Education to Become an Actor
Many actors attend some formal education program. Many actors who plan on specializing in theater productions will have a bachelor’s degree in drama, but for employment, a degree is not necessary. Some people achieve their acting goals by working in an acting conservatory or university drama or theater arts program. Students can take acting classes in drama or filmmaking to gain a better appreciation of acting. Courses in other skills such as dance or music may help and make the actor more competitive. Actors who do not have a college degree may take acting or film classes to learn how to become an actor. Community colleges, acting schools, and private film schools often offer drama classes. Many theater companies also provide acting workshops for aspiring actors.
Important Skills for Actors
If you are looking for more information for the type of skills an actor needs to become an actor we have previously highlighted the skills to become an actor here.
- Memorization – Actors are asked to memorize lines before filming, or a show begins. TV actors are often asked to say lines with very little time to learn scripts and scripts are often changed moments before shooting.
- Stamina – Actors should be in good enough physical condition to handle rough working conditions. Actors are often expected to work at least 12 hours a day and spend time memorizing scripts for the next day of filming. Talents must do their job without getting tired or appearing tired on screen
- Reading – Actors must remember lines. As a result, actors must also know how to read.
- Speaking Skills – Actors are expected to say their lines in front of an audience or a camera. Therefore, it is essential for actors to speak clearly and enunciate their words. Also, an actor who can say lines in different dialect is as advantageous to their acting career.
- Creativity – The job of an actor is to entertain or inform. If an actor has to remember lines, they must entertainingly play a role or a character. Memorizing Lines will take creativity and dedication to their craft.
Training for Actors
It may take actors many years to practice and develop the acting skills they need to become an A-list star or working actors. That said, actors never really finish training. Actors work to improve their acting skills throughout their career taking what they learned from one TV show, movie or commercial and using it in the next. Many actors have a dialect and acting coaches and even mentorship with other working actors and drama coaches. 
Advancement for actors
- As an actor gains fame and followers, he or she may work on more significant production or in a more prestigious capacity. Many actors become producers and directors.
How much is an actor’s salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic, it is not nearly as much as Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, or Daniel Day-Lewis.
What is an Actor’s Salary?
Actors Pay
- The median hourly wage for actors was $17.49/hour.
- The lowest 10% of actors earned less than $8.97/hour, and the highest 10% earned more than $89.08/hour.
Highest Paid Industries for Actors
According to the Department of Labor 2017 study, the median hourly wages for actors in the top industries include:
- Professional services – $17.05/hour
- Theater companies – $16.82/hour
- Colleges – $16.54/hour
Work hours for actors are irregular. Early morning, evening and working during the holidays are common for most actors. Approximately 25% of actors work, and very few actors work fulltime.
Actor Union membership
Compared to other jobs, actors had a higher percentage of workers who belonged to a union in 2016. Many actors join the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, also known as SAG-AFTRA). Stage actors join the Actors’ Equity Association.
Why do actors join unions?
- Union membership can help actors set work rules and assist actors in receiving benefits and larger acting roles for more money.
- Union members must also pay yearly due, which can be expensive for actors who are just starting their acting careers.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the demand for actors will increase as streaming services become more popular. This growth will lead to more work for actors. Actors who work on stage productions and performing arts are expected to see fewer job opportunities than actors working in the film industry. Many small and medium-sized theater companies have closed down and have difficulty getting funding. As a result, the number of performances is expected to decline to result in lower job growth for actors. Actors face incredible competition for jobs. Most acting jobs have hundreds of actors auditioning for them. For TV and movie actors, having a significant social media influencer presence may have a better chance of landing a part than those without one. Read our guide on why social media followers are more important than acting talent.
Employment and Wages by state and area for actors
States with the highest employment level for actors:
- California
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Texas
Similar Jobs
- Announcers – Announcers present news, sports or music and may provide commentary or interview guests about topics
- Dancers and Choreographer – Dancers and choreographers use dance to express feelings, emotions or ideas. There are different types of dance classes including ballet, tap, modern dance, and jazz
- Film Editors and Camera Operators – Filmmakers are involved in the production of a TV show, movie or commercial before, during and after filming.
- Producers and Directors – Producers and directors, create movies, TV shows, theater productions, commercial or any other performing arts productions. They interpret a script and create a platform to entertain an audience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does an actor make per movie?
The amount an actor makes per movie depends on their star power and the size of the project’s budget. A-list actors may earn millions for a single film, while lesser-known actors may command tens of thousands.
How is actor pay negotiated?
Actor pay is typically negotiated between the actor and producer or studio, with several factors coming into play including the actor’s star power and type of role they are playing. Residuals and royalties may also be factored in.
Do actors get paid residuals?
Yes, some actors can receive residuals or royalties based on the project’s success. This payment model is designed to reward especially successful projects over time.
Do actors get paid for auditions?
No, actors are typically not paid for auditions as this is considered part of the process for getting a role. Some producers may offer small stipends or pay for travel expenses depending on the actor and project.
Do actors make good money?
Overall, actor pay varies greatly depending on the actor’s star power and the size of the project’s budget. Pay can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars for A-list actors. Residuals and royalties may also be factored in. With hard work and dedication, actors’ pay can provide a comfortable living and open up opportunities to pursue new projects.
How much do actors make on average?
It isn’t easy to estimate actor pay on average as it varies greatly depending on the actor’s star power and the size of the project’s budget. However, A-list actors often command top salaries for major films or television series, with paychecks ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Who is the highest-paid actor?
The highest-paid actor often changes from year to year, depending on which actor has had the most successful projects. As of 2020, actor Dwayne Johnson was reported to be the highest-paid actor, with estimated earnings of USD 87.5 million.
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