SALARY GUIDE

Lights, Camera, Compensation: Actor Salary Insights

From stage debut to starring roles, understand how earnings evolve in the acting profession.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$30,000 - $45,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$80,000 - $150,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$200,000 - $350,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$500,000+
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$70,000
Canada$55,000
United Kingdom£45,000
AustraliaA$65,000
Germany€50,000
India₹800,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$60k$80kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Film & Television$85,000
Theater & Live Performance$55,000
Advertising & Commercials$70,000
Voice‑over & Animation$65,000
Streaming Platforms$90,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Film Actor
$95,000
Average annual salary
Television Actor
$80,000
Average annual salary
Stage Actor
$55,000
Average annual salary
Voice Actor
$65,000
Average annual salary
Commercial Actor
$70,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Years of experience and reputation
  • Union membership (SAG‑AFTRA)
  • Geographic location (LA, NYC, London)
  • Production budget and box‑office performance
  • Type of role (lead vs. supporting)
  • Agent representation and networking

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

SAG‑AFTRA Membership
$10,000 – $20,000
Salary increase potential
Professional Acting Workshops/Training
$5,000 – $10,000
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
India
Most Stable
United Kingdom
Job Market Outlook

The acting market remains competitive, but demand for diverse content across streaming services, video games, and global productions is driving steady growth. Actors who diversify their skill set, maintain union affiliations, and adapt to digital media trends can expect increasing opportunities and higher earning potential over the next decade.

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