Actor

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 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 the stress of having to find their next job.

How to Become an Actor

Many actors enhance their skills through formal dramatic education, and long-term training is common.

Pay

The median hourly wage for actors was $20.26 in May 2012.

Job Outlook

Employment of actors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations.