GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Acting Career Statistics [Latest Report]

Highlights: Acting Career Statistics

  • 85% of actors are unemployed at any given time.
  • There are approximately 63,000 actors working in the United States.
  • Actors have a median hourly wage of $20.26.
  • The acting profession has an expected growth rate of 3% from 2019 to 2029.
  • SAG-AFTRA membership includes over 160,000 actors, broadcast journalists, and other media professionals.
  • Less than 15% of actors hold full-time jobs in their profession.
  • Nearly 31.9% of actors have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • 54.3% of actors are female, while 45.7% are male.
  • Los Angeles County employs 24,000 actors, including extras.
  • The five major acting unions are SAG-AFTRA, AEA, AFM, AGMA, and AGVA.
  • One third of professional British actors earn less than £5,000 a year from their performances.

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The acting profession is a highly competitive field, and the statistics surrounding it can be quite daunting. According to research, 85% of actors are unemployed at any given time while only 12.08% earned more than $1000 in a year. The average annual income for actors in the US is $50,529 with an expected growth rate of 3%. There are approximately 63,000 actors working in the United States who have a median hourly wage of $20.26 and SAG-AFTRA membership includes over 160,000 media professionals. Less than 15% hold full-time jobs within their profession and nearly 31.9% have bachelor’s degrees or higher; 54.3% female compared to 45.7%, male; with an average age of 42 years old – Los Angeles County employs 24k including extras – Theatre Actors typically earn around 29K annually – On Average they work 28 hours per week – 5 major unions exist– IMDb ratings show that older films had better scores on average (7/10) then newer ones (6/2). Child Actors experience 2x as much unemployment as adults do & 1/3rd British professional actors make less then £5k yearly from performances alone.

The Most Important Statistics
85% of actors are unemployed at any given time.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the harsh reality of the acting profession. It highlights the immense competition and the difficulty of finding steady work in the industry. It serves as a warning to aspiring actors that they should be prepared for long periods of unemployment and to have a backup plan in case their acting career does not take off.

There are approximately 63,000 actors working in the United States.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer number of actors vying for roles in the United States. It serves as a reminder that the competition for acting jobs is fierce, and that aspiring actors must be prepared to work hard and stand out from the crowd if they want to make it in the industry.

Acting Career Statistics Overview

Actors have a median hourly wage of $20.26.

This statistic is a crucial indicator of the financial reality of acting as a profession. It provides insight into the average hourly wage of actors, which can be used to inform decisions about whether to pursue a career in acting. It also serves as a benchmark for actors to compare their own wages to, helping them to understand their earning potential.

The acting profession has an expected growth rate of 3% from 2019 to 2029.

This statistic is a crucial indicator of the future of the acting profession, providing insight into the potential for growth and success in the field. It is an essential piece of information for anyone considering a career in acting, as it can help them to make an informed decision about their future. Additionally, this statistic can be used to inform blog posts about acting career statistics, as it provides a reliable source of data to back up any claims made.

SAG-AFTRA membership includes over 160,000 actors, broadcast journalists, and other media professionals.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer size and scope of the SAG-AFTRA organization, highlighting the sheer number of media professionals that are part of the union. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the union in the acting industry, and the impact it has on the livelihoods of its members. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of the acting community and the importance of having a strong union to protect the rights of its members.

Less than 15% of actors hold full-time jobs in their profession.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the difficulty of making a living as an actor. It highlights the fact that the vast majority of actors are unable to rely solely on their profession for a steady income, and must find other sources of income to support themselves. This statistic is an important reminder of the realities of the acting profession and the need for actors to be prepared to take on other jobs in order to make ends meet.

Nearly 31.9% of actors have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

This statistic is a testament to the fact that having a higher education can be beneficial for those pursuing a career in acting. It shows that having a bachelor’s degree or higher can give actors an edge in the competitive field of acting, as it can provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. Additionally, it demonstrates that actors are taking their craft seriously and investing in their education in order to further their career.

54.3% of actors are female, while 45.7% are male.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the gender dynamics in the acting industry. It shows that the majority of actors are female, which is a significant shift from the traditional gender roles in the entertainment industry. This statistic is important to consider when discussing the opportunities available to actors, as it demonstrates that there is a greater chance for female actors to find success in the field.

The average age of actors is 42.4 years.

This statistic is an important indicator of the longevity of an acting career. It shows that actors are able to sustain their careers for a significant amount of time, and that the profession is not just a short-term endeavor. It also suggests that actors are able to remain relevant and competitive in the industry for many years, which is a testament to their talent and dedication.

Los Angeles County employs 24,000 actors, including extras.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer number of actors employed in Los Angeles County, demonstrating the potential for aspiring actors to find work in the area. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of the acting industry to the local economy, and the potential for actors to make a living in the area.

The turnover rate for actors is 8%.

The turnover rate for actors being 8% is a telling statistic when it comes to the acting industry. It speaks to the difficulty of sustaining a career in the field, as well as the need for actors to be constantly on the lookout for new opportunities. This statistic is a reminder that the acting profession is a competitive one, and that actors must be prepared to work hard and take risks in order to succeed.

The five major acting unions are SAG-AFTRA, AEA, AFM, AGMA, and AGVA.

Knowing the five major acting unions is essential for any actor looking to make a career in the industry. These unions provide a wealth of resources and support for actors, from negotiating contracts to providing health and pension benefits. By understanding which unions are available, actors can make informed decisions about which union is best suited to their needs and goals. Additionally, having knowledge of the unions can help actors stay up to date on the latest industry news and trends, giving them an edge in their career.

One third of professional British actors earn less than £5,000 a year from their performances.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the financial struggles that many professional British actors face. It highlights the fact that, despite their hard work and dedication, many actors are unable to make a living wage from their performances. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the need for better pay and working conditions for actors in the UK.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this blog post paint a picture of the acting profession that is both challenging and rewarding. While 85% of actors are unemployed at any given time, those who do find work can expect to earn an average annual income of $50,529. The median hourly wage for actors is $20.26 and there are approximately 63,000 working in the United States today with an expected growth rate of 3%. SAG-AFTRA membership includes over 160,000 members while only 15% hold full-time jobs in their profession. Additionally, less than 31.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher and 54.3% are female while 45.7% male; the average age being 42 years old with Los Angeles County employing 24 thousand including extras alone. Theatre actors typically make around $29k annually but on average they work 28 hours per week due to high turnover rates (8%) as well as child actor unemployment which is 2 – 3 times more than adult counterparts’. Finally British professional actors often make under £5k yearly from performances making it clear why many pursue other avenues such as teaching or directing when not actively performing themselves.

References

0. – https://www.actingstudiochicago.com

1. – https://www.mentalfloss.com

2. – https://www.work.chron.com

3. – https://www.nytimes.com

4. – https://www.bizjournals.com

5. – https://www.theguardian.com

6. – https://www.sagaftra.org

7. – https://www.bls.gov

8. – https://www.datausa.io

FAQs

What is the average annual salary for actors in the United States?

As of 2021, the average annual salary for actors in the United States is approximately $58,580, but it can vary widely depending on the number of projects and the level of fame or success achieved by the actor.

What are the employment prospects for actors in today's entertainment industry?

The overall employment prospects for actors are highly competitive, as there are often many people vying for a limited number of roles. However, as the film, television, and streaming platforms continue to expand the number of productions, there may be more opportunities for actors to find work in the industry.

How many years of training and/or experience does it typically take for someone to become a successful actor?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, many actors study and train for several years at conservatories, universities, or acting schools. Building a successful acting career may also take years of auditioning and networking to gain experience, develop a reputation, and make connections within the industry.

How do actors typically find and secure roles in film, television, or theater productions?

Actors find and secure roles through a variety of methods, including attending open and closed auditions, submitting headshots and resumes to casting directors, working with agents or managers, and networking within the industry. Some actors also get noticed through social media or by performing in smaller, independent projects that gain attention.

What is the percentage of actors who are able to make a full-time living from their craft alone?

It is estimated that only around 2-5% of actors are able to make a full-time living solely from acting. Many actors supplement their income with other jobs, such as teaching or working in the foodservice industry, while they continue to pursue acting opportunities.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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