What Actors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Actors this way: "Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed"; "Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role"; "Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations"; "Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble"; "Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is some college, no degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is long-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Actors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 67,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 67,500 in 2035, an increase of 0 jobs (0%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 23.0% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers.
Where Actors earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $115,003. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Actors
Producers and Directors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-2000) include Coaches and Scouts.
Frequently asked questions about Actors
What is the job outlook for Actors?
BLS projects employment to stay flat by 0% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,300 openings a year.
What education do Actors need?
The typical entry-level education is some college, no degree and long-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.