Actors pay in the United States
In the U.S., the median pay for actors is $29.05 an hour ($60,424 a year). About 55,000 people work in this job there.
Pay range for actors in the U.S.
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $16.50 | $34,320 |
| 25% of workers | $20.34 | $42,307 |
| Half of workers (median) | $29.05 | $60,424 |
| 75% of workers | $97.95 | $203,736 |
| 90% of workers | $143.68 | $298,854 |
Best-paying states for actors
| State | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $76,918 | 520 |
| Oregon | $62,005 | 470 |
| New York | $59,155 | 6,630 |
| Connecticut | $58,053 | 180 |
| Texas | $53,789 | 2,160 |
| Alabama | $51,397 | 150 |
| New Jersey | $50,523 | 470 |
| Mississippi | $49,317 | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,072 | 890 |
| Tennessee | $45,386 | 370 |
Pay by state
- Florida · $39,749
- Georgia · $41,080
- Illinois · $31,200
- Maryland · $76,918
- Minnesota · $39,416
- Nevada · $26,541
- New York · $59,155
- North Carolina · $39,166
- Pennsylvania · $46,072
- Texas · $53,789
Education, experience and outlook for actors
- Typical education to start: Some college, no degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: None (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Long-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: 0% over ten years, little or no change · about 6,300 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $90,360 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,620 |
| Writers and Authors | $76,910 |
| Musicians and Singers | $99,424 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $47,340 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $73,710 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $55,490 |
| Dancers | $51,584 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.