| Quick Facts: Actors | |
|---|---|
| 2012 Median Pay | $20.26 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Some college, no degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2012 | 79,800 |
| Job Outlook, 2012-22 | 4% (Slower than average) |
| Employment Change, 2012-22 | 3,300 |
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.