Also called: Performer, Theater Actor
Brings characters to life on stage, screen, or in commercials.
Most actors spend more time auditioning than acting: recording self-tapes, taking classes, and working a side job. When cast, they rehearse for weeks, memorize lines, and perform eight shows a week or long days on set.
BLS median for actors is about $23/hour, but most work far less than full time, so annual acting income is low for the majority. A small number of stars earn millions.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. BFA in acting common, but not required; constant classes and training.
Ways in: 4-year college, Self-taught, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Theater, Acting, Film.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projects little or no change in actor employment (2024-34).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI actors and voice clones threaten some screen, ad and voice work; live stage acting stays human, though competition is fierce.
Classes: Theater, Speech and debate, English literature, Choir.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-2011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.