What Is the Salary Range for an Actor?

Salaries for actors fluctuate depending on the industry.

Income for actors working in the film, theater and television industry fluctuates depending on labor contracts and the availability of work. Actors can earn $16.59 to $29.57 per hour, according to 2010 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Film

The minimum wage for day performers in film and television is $809 and weekly performers earn a minimum of $2,808, according to 2010 Screen Actors Guild figures. The organization, which represents over 120,000 actors in film, television, commercials and new media, also offers pension and health insurance for member actors. SAG negotiates salary, working conditions and retirement benefits for qualifying actors.

Commercials

Principal actors appearing in television commercials earn $592.20 to $445.30 per day according to SAG. Actors performing in commercials made for the Internet can earn $787.65 to $2,072.70 per day.

Theater

As of 2010, wages for off Broadway actors range from $525 to $927 per week, according to The Actor's Equity Association, which represents theater actors. Actors working in mid-size theaters across the country can earn from $557 to $995 a week.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Actors, Producers and Directors
• Screen Actors Guild: Theatrical Film Contracts
• Screen Actors Guild: Commercial Contracts
• Actors Equity: Off Broadway
• Actors Equity: Midsize Theaters

Resources

• Payscale: Actor Salary Survey: Salaries of Professional Acotrs