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How much does Actor make?
Total pay range
$56K - $105K/yr
$75K/yrMedian total pay
Pay breakdown
$44K - $82K/yrBase pay
$12K - $23K/yrAdditional pay
Total pay trajectory
Actor
$56K–$105K/yr
Glassdoor Economist Pay Overview
What is the pay outlook for Arts & Design?
Jobs in arts & design are growing due to increased access to remote work. These jobs often require a bachelor’s degree and technical skills such as graphic design software, web-development and research. Salaries vary, as jobs tend to be short-term and contractual, offering workers flexible schedules and the opportunity to manage multiple projects at once.
Frequently asked questions about Actor salaries
The average salary for Actor is $74,930 per year or $36 per hour, with top earners making up to $137,121 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $56,197 (25th percentile) to $104,902 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 976 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Actor employees.
The highest salary for Actor is $104,902 per year, $8,742 per month or $50 per hour.
The lowest salary for Actor is $56,197 per year, $4,683 per month or $27 per hour.
The salary trajectory of Actor ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $52,908 per year (estimate) and goes up to $74,930 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Actor salaries vary widely with experience, reputation and time commitment. In this way, actors face a similar pay structure to other performing artists including models, dancers and singers. Some actors are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, a union which sets minimum daily and weekly pay for its members based on production budget tier. Actors can increase their hourly pay by competing for starring roles, or by teaching acting classes in their free time.
An actor's earnings can vary based on a number of different factors. While key factors are experience and specialty in a field, an actor's earnings can also be influenced by education. Those with an advanced degree can earn $16,162.30 per year compared to those without, which can qualify an actor's salary as satisfactory. According to anonymous Glassdoor ratings, 63% of actors are satisfied with their earnings.
An actor's pay range varies greatly. Typically, lower end salaries hover around $43,459.25 while actors on the higher end of the spectrum can make as much as $137,121.43. The average salary for actors of all experience levels following the typical career path of an actor is $58,767.44.
Do you want to earn a higher salary as an actor? Gain as much education and experience as you possibly can. Professionals can advance their careers and earn a higher salary as an actor by choosing a specialty within the field, gaining experience, and/or obtaining an advanced degree. They can also improve necessary skills such as technique, comedic timing, on-camera work, commercial acting, theater acting, improvisation, singing, or musical theater. The more jobs an actor acquires in theater or on television, the higher their pay potential.
The easiest way to negotiate a salary as an actor is to seek proper representation. A licensed, experienced agent understands the industry inside and out, including contracts and pay. They'll represent your best interests when negotiating your salary, whether you're a beginner who just booked your first gig or a professional with decades of experience. Alternatively, you can seek a lawyer to look over your contract.
If you're going at it alone while in an established position, know the industry standards for your production, including the average day rate for your position, the scope of the production, budget, workload, costumes, and more. Be honest and reasonable in your approach; knowing the budget and what everyone else is getting paid gives you more negotiating power.
The top 5 paying industries for Actor in United States are Information Technology with a median total pay of $95,515, Media & Communication with a median total pay of $73,718, Human Resources & Staffing with a median total pay of $72,043, Management & Consulting with a median total pay of $66,329, and Education with a median total pay of $65,675.
