Actors
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 280 | N/A | $29.71 | |
| California | N/A | $38.43 | ||
| Colorado | 200 | N/A | $24.56 | |
| Florida | 760 | N/A | $22.40 | |
| Georgia | N/A | $11.86 | ||
| Illinois | 2,750 | N/A | $24.49 | |
| Indiana | 230 | N/A | $16.57 | |
| Iowa | 140 | N/A | $46.35 | |
| Louisiana | 930 | N/A | $15.90 | |
| Maryland | 890 | N/A | $31.92 | |
| Massachusetts | 140 | N/A | $21.16 | |
| Missouri | 120 | N/A | $15.87 | |
| Nevada | 60 | N/A | $24.21 | |
| New Jersey | 620 | N/A | $37.81 | |
| New York | 4,430 | N/A | $41.05 | |
| Ohio | 840 | N/A | $13.13 | |
| Oklahoma | 50 | N/A | $23.11 | |
| Oregon | 210 | N/A | $17.70 | |
| Pennsylvania | 3,350 | N/A | $23.40 | |
| South Dakota | 30 | N/A | $18.42 | |
| Tennessee | 480 | N/A | $18.07 | |
| Texas | 760 | N/A | $21.76 | |
| Utah | 700 | N/A | $11.84 | |
| Washington | 310 | N/A | $34.99 | |
| Wisconsin | 330 | N/A | $27.94 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions.
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the achievement of naturalistic and believable behavior in imaginary circumstances. Includes instruction in voice and acting speech, stage dialects, movement, improvisation, acting styles, theatre history, script interpretation, and actor coaching.
A program that prepares individuals to manage the planning, design, preparation, and production of plays and other theatrical entertainment programs. Includes instruction in theatrical design, program management, dramatic production, rehearsal management, personnel management and casting, actor coaching, directing concepts and techniques, theater history, scene work, script interpretation, business management, marketing, public relations, and communications skills.
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for integrating theatre, music, and dance into a unified production. Includes instruction in acting, dance, voice, technical theater, musical genres, piano, and history of musical theater.
A program that focuses on the historical, cultural, and theoretical dimensions of comedy as an art form, and the writing, performance, and production of comedy. Includes instruction in comedic storytelling, comedy production, comedy writing, history of comedy, improvisation, and sketch writing.
A program of study that focuses on integrating the studies of dance and theatre arts to provide perspectives in all facets of production, performance, and critical engagement. Includes instruction in acting, aesthetics, choreography, costume design, criticism, dance, improvisation, music analysis, playwriting, theatre performance history, scene design, stage lighting, and technical theatre.
Any instructional program in dramatic/theatre arts and stagecraft not listed above.
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$31.3 per hourNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Some college, no degreeTypical education requirement
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Long-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as actors.
- Less than high school 2%
- High school graduate 14%
- College dropout 16%
- Associate’s degree 5%
- Bachelor’s degree 48%
- Master’s degree 13%
- Doctorate degree 1%
Similar Careers
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Musicians and Singers$41.5 per hour Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Choreographers$49,630 per year Average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Music Directors and Composers$65,080 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Producers and Directors$101,950 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate