Actor Salary Guide 2025: What the BLS Says About Pay, Jobs & How to Start
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that national median salary for actors is n/a (mean n/a, about $null/hour). Typical earnings range from n/a (10th percentile) to n/a (90th percentile). With only 55,000 jobs nationwide, acting remains a highly competitive field where a few earn top income while many earn below the median. This guide uses the latest BLS data to give you the real picture on pay, how to break in, and where the occupation is headed.
How much Actors earn
According to the BLS, the national median wage for actors is n/a — that is, half earn more and half earn less. The mean hourly wage is about $null. Entry-level actors (10th percentile) earn around n/a, while the highest earners (90th percentile) bring in n/a.
Because many acting jobs are short-term or project-based, annual earnings can fluctuate widely. The BLS figures reflect full-time and part-time workers across all settings, from stage and screen to commercials and voiceovers.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-by-state breakdowns for actors due to data limitations in less populous states — hence the 'n/a' entries for highest- and lowest-paying states. However, the highest concentration of actor jobs is typically in California and New York, where industry hubs exist. Pay varies significantly by market size and production volume.
How to become Actor
Most actors start with training: a bachelor's degree in theater, film, or a related field is common but not required. Many attend conservatories or acting schools. On-the-job experience through community theater, student films, or local productions is essential.
Steps to becoming an actor include: (1) gain acting training through classes or a degree program; (2) build a portfolio with headshots, a resume, and a demo reel; (3) audition for roles, often through agent representation; (4) join a union (e.g., SAG-AFTRA) once eligible; (5) continuously network and seek roles. Licenses or certifications are not required.
- Training: acting classes, workshops, or a bachelor's degree in theater/film
- Portfolio: headshots, resume, demo reel
- Audition: find open calls, get an agent
- Union membership: SAG-AFTRA for professional work
- Experience: start with local theater, student films, extras work
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for actors will grow 0.3% from 2024 to 2034, much slower than the average for all occupations. That adds up to about 6,300 openings per year over the decade, mostly from workers leaving the field or retiring. Competition for roles remains intense, with many more candidates than positions. Persistence and versatility are key.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an actor in 2025?
The BLS does not provide a median salary for actors — the figure is n/a. Mean hourly wage is about $null, meaning typical earnings vary widely. Most actors fall within a broad range from n/a at the 10th percentile to n/a at the 90th.
How do I become an actor?
Start with training (acting classes or a degree), build a portfolio (headshots, resume, demo reel), audition for roles, get an agent, and join SAG-AFTRA when eligible. Gain experience in community theater, student films, or background work.
Is acting a growing career?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects just 0.3% growth from 2024 to 2034, slower than average. About 6,300 openings per year are expected, mostly to replace departing workers. The field is highly competitive.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Actors data.