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Actors

General Information

Description

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit60.73%
  2. Self-employed28.69%
  3. Private, not for profit7.80%
  4. State and local government1.94%
  5. Federal government0.25%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
+3%
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Job Outlook

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Employment of actors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,300 openings for actors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

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Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Less than high school 45%
  • Bachelor's degree 20%
  • High school 16%
  • First professional degree 13%
  • Post-secondary certificate 3%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Artistic — You have an interest in creating visual artwork, performances, written works, food or music.
  • Enterprising — You have an interest in managing, negotiating and marketing, or leading and advising others.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Fine Arts
  • English Language
  • Communications and Media
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Psychology

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.