How much does Actor make?

An actor's pay range varies greatly. Typically, lower end salaries hover around $43,459.11 while actors on the higher end of the spectrum can make as much as $137,120.96. The average salary for actors of all experience levels following the typical career path of an actor is $58,770.27.

Do you want to earn a higher salary as an actor? Gain as much education and experience as you possibly can. Professionals can advance their careers and earn a higher salary as an actor by choosing a specialty within the field, gaining experience, and/or obtaining an advanced degree. They can also improve necessary skills such as technique, comedic timing, on-camera work, commercial acting, theater acting, improvisation, singing, or musical theater. The more jobs an actor acquires in theater or on television, the higher their pay potential.

The easiest way to negotiate a salary as an actor is to seek proper representation. A licensed, experienced agent understands the industry inside and out, including contracts and pay. They'll represent your best interests when negotiating your salary, whether you're a beginner who just booked your first gig or a professional with decades of experience. Alternatively, you can seek a lawyer to look over your contract.

If you're going at it alone while in an established position, know the industry standards for your production, including the average day rate for your position, the scope of the production, budget, workload, costumes, and more. Be honest and reasonable in your approach; knowing the budget and what everyone else is getting paid gives you more negotiating power.