The average actor’s salary in the United States is $56,903 per year or $23.36 per hour. However, actor earnings vary dramatically based on experience, project type, and location.
Most working actors earn between $15,500 and $139,500 annually, with many supplementing their income through multiple revenue streams, including commercials, voiceover work, and theater performances.
This article breaks down actor salaries across various media, reveals the factors that influence pay rates, and provides realistic expectations for those considering a career in acting.
TLDR: How Much Do Actors Earn?
The typical actor earns $56,903 per year, but earnings range from $15,500 to $139,500. Top performers earn millions per project, while most working actors combine multiple income sources to make a living wage.
How Much Do Movie Actors Make?
Film actors earn between $1,158 per day for minor roles and $80,000+ for lead performances in major productions.
SAG-AFTRA union minimums guarantee baseline pay rates, but star power and negotiation skills determine actual earnings in Hollywood’s competitive market.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors, earning $88 million through his film projects and endorsement deals.
How Much Do Actors Make In Films?
Movie actor pay depends on the budget size, the importance of the role, and the outcome of contract negotiations. Union actors receive guaranteed minimum rates while A-list stars command millions through profit-sharing deals and backend points from box office success.
| Type Of Films | Pay Range | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Big-Budget Studio Films | $1,158/day – $80,000+ for leads | SAG-AFTRA minimums apply; major studios pay premium rates |
| Independent Films | $125-$1,000/day | Limited budgets require lower actor fees |
Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: These incomes are variable and might change over time.
These rates reflect union minimums, but actual pay often exceeds these amounts through agent negotiations and collective bargaining. Studio films also provide residual payments when movies air on television or streaming platforms.
Independent films may offer profit-sharing deals or deferred compensation when budgets are tight, allowing actors to earn more if the project is commercially successful.
How Much Do Actors Make on Television?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, television actors earn $1,158 per day for guest appearances, up to $1 million per episode for established series regulars.
| Type Of Role | Pay Range | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Stars/Recurring Roles | $1,158/day – 10,190/week | Based on episode count and role size |
| Series Regulars | $4,019/week – $1M/episode | Depends on the show’s success and star power |
Weekly rates range from $4,019 for new performers to six-figure amounts for stars of hit shows.
Television actors also earn residual payments when shows air in reruns or on streaming platforms. Long-running series often include salary escalations, with cast members receiving raises each season.
Streaming platforms may offer overall deals worth millions to top talent, while network TV provides additional income through syndication rights and international distribution.
How Much Do Actors Make in Theater?
Theater actors earn less than film and TV performers, but they enjoy steady weekly paychecks. Broadway minimum wage is $2,439 per week, while regional theater pays $500-$1,500 weekly, depending on venue size and budget.
| Type Of Role | Pay Range | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway Performers | $2,439/week minimum | Actors’ Equity Association union rates |
| Off-Broadway/Regional | $689-$1,526/week | Based on the theater budget and seating capacity |
Theater actors receive bonuses for long-running shows, typically $2,600 after one year. Profit participation kicks in when productions recoup initial investments.
Celebrity actors command premium rates – Al Pacino earned $125,000 weekly for “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Regional theaters outside New York pay $500-$1,500 weekly, depending on local market conditions.
How Else Do Actors Make Money?
Let’s explore some other ways than acting in a movie, series, or in a theatre to make money as an actor
1. Commercials: National commercials pay $783-$2,939 per session with potential residuals. A single successful commercial can generate thousands in ongoing payments each time it airs on television or streams online.
2. Voiceover: Voice actors earn a minimum of $340 per eight-hour union session. Experienced voice performers can make $100,000-$200,000 annually through animation, commercials, audiobooks, and video game work.
Note: saying that these are average pricing. However, it can change depending on the work of the project’s actors.
Average Actor Salary: Determining Factors
Wondering who decided these prices? Well, here are some factors based on how the earnings of an actor are decided.
1. Experience and Fame/Star Power: Established actors with recognizable names command higher fees. Arnold Schwarzenegger stands as the richest actor globally, with a net worth of $1.49 billion, showing how successful careers can build massive wealth over time.
2. Type of Project: Big-budget films pay more than independent movies. Network television typically offers higher rates than cable or streaming platforms. Broadway pays more than regional theater productions.
3. Size and Scope of Role: Lead characters earn significantly more than supporting cast members. Background extras earn $208 daily, while leads can negotiate millions, depending on the project’s scope. There are also the biggest movie flops that have impacted directors, producers, and actors, showing how box office performance can affect earning potential.
4. Union Status: SAG-AFTRA membership guarantees minimum pay rates, healthcare benefits, and residual payments. Non-union actors often accept lower wages and fewer protections in exchange for work opportunities.
5. Location: Los Angeles and New York offer the highest paying opportunities due to industry concentration. Secondary markets, such as Atlanta, Georgia, provide competitive compensation but have fewer available roles overall.
However, famous actors like Robert Downey Jr., Leonardo DiCaprio, and Johnny Depp have established their own identities in the Hollywood industry, enabling them to negotiate premium rates across all media types.
Is Actor A High-Paying Job?
Acting is not typically a high-paying profession for most practitioners. While top performers earn millions, the majority of working actors struggle to earn a full-time living solely from acting and often supplement their income through other forms of work.
Is It Worth Being An Actor?
Consider these factors before deciding on your career as an actor
- Acting can be worthwhile for passionate performers despite financial uncertainty.
- Most actors work part-time while maintaining other income sources.
- Success requires exceptional talent and a profound dedication to the arts.
- Persistence through rejection and setbacks is essential.
- Years of financial sacrifice often precede career stability.
Conclusion: Acting Income Varies From $125 To $1,158 Per Day
Actor salaries range from minimum wage to millions, depending on experience, project type, and market demand.
While superstar earnings grab headlines, most working actors earn modest incomes, requiring multiple revenue streams for financial stability.
If you want to become an actor and earn a good revenue, research local acting classes and audition opportunities in your area to begin building your professional experience and network.
FAQs
Robert Downey Jr. becomes the highest-paid actor after earning $75 million for Avengers: Endgame.
Through trust accounts that are managed by either parents or guardians.
Child actors are required to pay taxes if the income exceeds certain limits.
Most actors enjoy the process of acting and filming, despite the long working hours.
Reese Witherspoon has the highest estimated net worth currently.
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