Career Outlook
Again, there’s no educational requirement for becoming an actor, but pay and opportunities are often dependent on skill and connections. According to BLS statistics, those who earn their living as actors have received some level of formal training. It’s not so clear cut, though. That training doesn’t necessarily correspond with pay — for example, earning a master’s degree in performing arts doesn’t ensure a higher pay grade.
The BLS also reports that actors earn a median hourly wage of $18.80 and wages range from under $10 an hour to $48. So, it’s possible to make a healthy living, but that means continually putting in the legwork to secure gigs. The agency also found that actors who joined unions received more prominent roles and paychecks compared to those who did not. It’s worth pointing out that many casting directors will only work with actors from SAG/AFTRA. However, members are required to pay annual dues, which could be a significant burden for newer actors who might not get paid much.
Advancing From Here
Advancing as an actor or actress is more about landing leading roles and earning more money for their craft. It’s not like starting an entry-level job and working your way up to manager. To start landing gigs, you’ll need to know how to audition, which is one area where your education can serve you well. It might be worth it to invest in workshops that teach this skill or further develop the skills you learned in school.
Sure, you might start at the bottom, working as an extra, then maybe you’ll book commercials. From there, you might land a small recurring role on a television show, eventually landing more significant roles. Often that big paycheck comes after years of taking work with a wide range of pay rates. Success, from a realistic standpoint, means finding steady work and continuing to hone your craft.
Actors often “advance” by improving their reputation by completing roles successfully. As they gain experience, they’ll move on to more challenging parts and better-paying jobs. You can boost your profile by performing well and by demonstrating that you are professional, easy to work with, and reliable.
In other cases, actors might work in the industry for a time before deciding they’d like to become a producer, a writer, or a director. While moving from in front of the camera to behind the scenes is a shift, many actors end up moving into these roles and finding success.
As with any field, networking is essential, too. Join casting agencies and make sure you speak with other people in your industry. While there’s no one way to break into the acting game, or advance your career, making connections is one of the best things you can do for your job.