What Is the Medium Yearly Salary of an Actor?

Actors typically work three to six months at a time.

Seeing the lifestyle Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie lead fills us with envy and makes us all wish we could be actors. However, the income they make isn't an indication of what the profession really pays. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these few actors create a "false impression that all actors are highly paid." Employment is sporadic and many actors must supplement their incomes by holding other jobs.

National Average Salary

The national average salary for actors ranges from $24,000 to $76,000 a year, according to Payscale as of 2010. Experience plays a role in how much an actor earns up to a point, then begins to drop again. For example, a new actor with less than one year of experience can expect to earn as much as $60,000 a year, while an actor with 10 to 19 years can make as much as $206,000 a year. Yet with 20 years or more in the industry, the top pay drops back down to $101,000 annually.

Top Actor's Salaries

Of course you want to know what the big stars are making. From June 2009 to June 2010, Johnny Depp earned $75 million, according to Forbes. Tom Hanks earned $45 million during that same time period, Ben Stiller commanded $53 million, and Leonardo DiCaprio made $28 million.

Working Conditions

Actors work under a lot of stress and may be out of work for long periods of time, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Work comes on an assignment basis that may last several months, after which the actor must look for work again. Rehearsals, retakes and working on location make for long and uncertain hours.

Room for Advancement

An actor's popularity is the basis for his ability to advance. Box office numbers and reputation can lead him to films with larger budgets and better-known directors. Earning leading or supportive roles also increases his earnings, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Some actors go on to teach acting, whether privately or in universities, and others become directors or producers.

Job Outlook

Employment is expected to grow 11 percent from 2008 to 2018, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor. Most actors leave the business due to the difficult working conditions and the amount of stress, yet the profession is considered highly desirable, which creates keen competition.

References

• Payscale: Actor Average Salary
• United States Bureau of Labor Statistics: Actors, Producers, and Directors
• Forbes: Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actors