Actors

Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

Duties

Actors typically do the following:

• Read scripts and meet with agents and other professionals before accepting a role
• Audition in front of directors, producers, and casting directors
• Research their character’s personal traits and circumstances to portray the characters more authentically to an audience
• Memorize their lines
• Rehearse their lines and performance, including on stage or in front of the camera, with other actors
• Discuss their role with the director, producer, and other actors to improve their overall performance
• Perform the role, following the director’s instructions

Many actors struggle to find steady work, and few achieve recognition as stars. Some work as “extras”—actors who have no lines to deliver but are included in scenes to give a more realistic setting. Some actors do voiceover or narration work for animated features, audiobooks, or other electronic media.

In stage or film productions, actors might sing, dance, or play a musical instrument. For certain roles, an actor must learn a new skill, such as horseback riding or stage fighting.

Actors may spend considerable time attending auditions and casting calls to secure a role. They may have periods of unemployment between roles, and some might hold other jobs in order to make a living.

Actors held about 57,000 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of actors were as follows:

Actors work in various settings, including production studios, theaters, and theme parks, or on location. Travel may be required for some workers.

Work assignments are usually short, ranging from 1 day to a few months, and actors often hold another job in order to make a living. They are frequently under the stress of having to find their next job. Some actors, such as those in touring companies, may be employed for several years.

Actors may perform in unpleasant conditions, such as outdoors in bad weather, under hot stage lights, or while wearing an uncomfortable costume or makeup.

Work Schedules

Part-time work is common for actors. Work schedules may vary and can include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

A formal education isn’t always required, but actors typically enhance their skills by taking classes in the performing arts. They also develop their skills through years of practice.

The median hourly wage for actors was $23.33 in May 2024.

Employment of actors is projected to decline 0 percent from 2024 to 2034.

Despite declining employment, about 6,300 openings for actors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.