Only 2% of actors make a living. How do you become one of them? (2024)

FAQs

What are the odds of making a living as an actor? ›

According to a comprehensive study that examined 2,408,501 performers, “as low as 2% of actors are able to make a living out of acting.” Note the “make a living” part—we're not even talking about becoming the next Brad Pitt or Margot Robbie.

Two percent of actors actually succeed and “make it,” but what is it about acting that causes the other 98 percent to not make it? Simply put, there are 50 times as many people that want to be actors than there are good jobs for actors, so only 2% can get good jobs.

As anyone who has spent time in the entertainment industry certainly knows, the reality is that most actors are unemployed. In fact, according to Actors' Equity (and who should know better!) fewer than 14 percent of actors were employed in 2016.

Actors often work in unstable environments, and pay can be very unpredictable. You might audition for months just to land a job that lasts for only one day, making it very difficult to earn a steady enough income to pay your bills each month.

While it's true that acting can be unpredictable, especially in the early stages, it is possible to make a living solely from acting work. With persistence, hard work, and smart financial choices, an acting career can become lucrative over time.

It's essential you remember to do things that will help better yourself as an actor but also release stress. Pick up fitness activities that you enjoy; swimming, dance, yoga – all great healthy hobbies that will not only tone your physique but can also beat 'The Gym' haters out there.

In certain artistic endeavours—such as acting in films and TV, where unemployment rates hover at around 90%—sustained productivity (simply making a living) is probably a better proxy for quantifying success than high impact.

Although some people succeed in acting without getting a formal education, most actors acquire some formal preparation through a theater company's acting conservatory or a university drama or theater arts program. Students can take college classes in drama or filmmaking to prepare for a career as an actor.

The U.S. state producing the most talent is California, with almost 12,800 top stars having been born there. This includes over 6,100 actors and actresses, including the likes of Angelina Jolie, Ben Affleck, Zendaya, and Zac Efron.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.2% employment growth for actors between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 2,500 jobs should open up. Actors perform in the theater, work in films or star in television productions.

Is being an actor worth it? ›

So many career paths feature a lot of repetitive tasks and can feel like everyday mirrors the last. With acting, there is so much variety. Each role requires you to inhabit a different character and step into their world. If you thrive on change and hate repetitive life/work routines, acting is an ideal career choice.

Is it hard to become an actor? It's important that you're prepared for the reality of this business: as an actor, there's no guarantee of success in the traditional sense. Sure, making it big is about talent—but it's also about having good luck and the right connections.

People talk a lot about rejection, but I think most actors understand that is part of the industry. The most difficult part of being an actor is inertia. That feeling of being stuck. That feeling that no matter what you do or how hard you work it will not lead to an audition.

When you're not acting it can be tough as you are typically holding down menial jobs and struggling to survive. It can be physically and emotionally draining. You're not creatively or finically satisfied. If you're fortunate to be working as an actor usually life is pretty good.

Is it hard to become an actor? It's important that you're prepared for the reality of this business: as an actor, there's no guarantee of success in the traditional sense. Sure, making it big is about talent—but it's also about having good luck and the right connections.

$56,903/year: According to ZipRecruiter, in 2024, the average actor salary is $56,903, with a range from $15,500 to $139,500. Unless they're employed regularly on a television show, actors tend to work on a project-by-project basis, which means they may not work at all for some years.

If you're a self-starter and you enjoy something very challenging (that can also be very rewarding), acting is a great career! Most actors truly love what they do – they act for the enjoyment and art. If you're simply getting into acting because you want to become famous, chances are you'll be disappointed.

Have you ever wondered what your chances of success for becoming famous are? You might not like what you learn. About 0.0086% of the world's population is famous. 0.0086%!