Actor
Education required for this profession
Formal dramatic training, either through an acting conservatory or a university program, generally is necessary for these jobs, but some people successfully enter the field without it. Most people studying for a bachelor’s degree take courses in radio and television broadcasting, communications, film, theater, drama, or dramatic literature.
Relevant Degree/Diploma/Certificate
Bachelor’s degree in radio and television broadcasting, communications, film, theater, drama, or dramatic literature.
Quick Facts
Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates; during periods of declining economic activity and rising interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers fall.
Salary
Median hourly earnings of actors are $11.61 . The middle 50 percent earn between $8.47 and $22.51. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $7.31, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $51.02. Median hourly earnings are $16.82 in performing arts companies and $10.69 in the motion picture and video industry.