Summary
![Actors](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130313101936im_/http://stats.bls.gov/ooh/images/p14-to-p15/p151-1-jpg.jpg)
Quick Facts: Actors | |
---|---|
$17.44 per hour | |
Some college, no degree | |
None | |
Long-term on-the-job training | |
66,500 | |
4% (Slower than average) | |
2,600 |
What Actors Do
Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They also work at theme parks or for other live events. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.
Work Environment
Most actors work under pressure and are often under stress about finding their next job. Work assignments are usually short, ranging from 1 day to a few months, and actors often hold another job to make a living.
How to Become an Actor
Many actors enhance their skills through formal dramatic training. Especially in theater, many actors have a bachelor’s degree, although it is not required. Actors usually learn some of their skills on the job; therefore, long-term training is common.
Pay
The median hourly wage of actors was $17.44 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of actors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Job growth in the motion picture industry is not expected to keep pace with the demand for new films and shows, and many theaters have decreased the number of performances.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actors with similar occupations.
O*NET
O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Contacts for More Information
Learn more about actors by contacting these additional resources.