A study from 2019 found that only 2% of actors actually made a living from acting. This means that at any given time, more than 98% of actors are unemployed. Meaning only 1 in 50 actors are actually able to make a living from acting. There are many barriers to entry to becoming a professional actor.
In fact, the Guardian reports that only 2 percent of actors make a living from their acting gigs. Even when you score a job, you're not likely to get rich unless you are one of a tiny minority of actresses.
A recent study by Queen Mary University of London referred to surveys that showed only 2% of actors make a living from the profession and that 90% are out of work at any one time would be sufficient to have most aspiring thespians reaching for the scotch, if only we could afford a drink in the first place.
The general consensus is that a very small percentage of actors make it big. This number remains close to Samuel Arbesman's calculations in which only 0.04% of the overall acting population become famous. In reality, it could be even less. Currently, A-Listers make up about 0.0002% of SAG-AFTRA members.
Big actors can earn between $1.5 million and $4.5 million for every movie. Screen Actors Guild has also specified how much actors make in terms of the minimum salary for every movie. So, those who are part of SAG make $45,579 on average.
Yes, acting is a good career for those with a passion and an ability to deal with various uncertainties. A career in acting can pose several challenges as well as be very rewarding.
Making a living as an actor is not impossible—but it is very, very difficult. Acting is not a steady, salaried gig in which you'll know exactly how much money you have coming in each month. You'll need to take a very different approach to your finances than someone working a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Well, if you're reading this article, you probably know it's not. The chance of becoming a famous actor is astronomically small – but it is possible if you're strategic and keep pushing over the long run.
Yes, it is possible to make money as an actor. Some, of course, make millions in the field. But if love of money is driving you to the set or stage, remember that more than 90% of actors in any market are out of work—at any given time.
The acting industry can be an incredibly stressful environment, with high levels of competition, long hours and a lot of uncertainty. Not only do actors have to compete against their peers for roles, but they also have to face rejection regularly. This can quickly lead to burnout if stress isn't managed properly.
So yes, great acting does take training. It does require skill. You cannot just wake up one day and be a great actor. It takes time to train your eye and brain to look for action in lines, to figure out where and when to make bold choices and when to keep them subtle.
Observed life span
Overall, 1,122 performers had died by July 1, 2020 (mean follow-up from birth of 68.8 years). The average age at death for winners was 77.1 years, for nominees was 73.7 years, and for controls was 73.6 years.
The average income for an actor in the United States ranges between $49,322 to $73,076 per year. Many actors also get paid far less than these decent salaries and have to take up second and third jobs while trying to make it in the entertainment business.
Job Outlook
Employment of actors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,000 openings for actors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
How much does an Actor/Performer make in the United States? The average Actor/Performer salary in the United States is $60,747 as of June 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $50,059 and $74,170.
As of Jul 22, 2023, the average annual pay for an Actor Entry Level in the United States is $45,141 a year.
Actors work 10 to 20 hours a day, six days a week when they are starring in a main role. Supporting actors can expect to work around 30 hours a week. It largely depends on the role, filming schedule, and film studio. Overall, work hours for an actor can be extensive and irregular.
For while both male and female actors peak between 30 and 39, and while the 40s remain fertile territory for all actors, there's a definite gender skewing towards older male actors and younger female actors. Almost 25% of female actors book most of their roles in their 20s, against 11.6% of male actors.
Probably the best way to enter acting is to start with high school, local, or college productions and to gain as much experience as possible on that level. Very rarely is an inexperienced actor given an opportunity to perform on stage or in film in New York or Hollywood.
One of the biggest challenges for actors is to be believable and truthful. In fact, for most actors this is all that they are after.
Filming days can run from twelve to as many as twenty hours. Feature films may involve working 5 days a week and can last up to three months of shooting. Depending on the role, an actor may need to learn new skills or receive training or coaching.
One of the biggest pros to being an actor is the fact that their job duties are often fun to complete. Portraying different characters and acting out scenes can be a very enjoyable process, especially when an actor has positive relationships with their cast members.
It's never too late
In fact, many well-known names of the big screen didn't find fame until later in life. Morgan Freeman had had a few small roles, but his acting career didn't take off until 1989 when he appeared in Driving Miss Daisy, Glory and Lean on Me – at the age of 52.
Many aspiring actors want to know how old is too old to start an acting career. This is a common question because with most jobs, there's always a line which you cannot cross at a certain age. Let me give you a little teaser on what's to come below: for actors, there is no age limit.