What is the average salary for a professional actor?

Answer 1

On average, an actor will earn approximately $50,000 a year. With that said, there are few who earn far above this number, and some who earn less. This is simply the median found, and what should be expected.

For more information and breakdowns, go to: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos093.htm#earnings (this shows hourly rates, employment outlook, etc)

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/All_Actors_%2f_Actresses/Salary/by_Job

Added bit by someone else:

I am leaving the previous contributor's response above because the links might help someone, I just wanted to add that I think it's incorrect. Acting is a creative economy that exists on popularity, not the same incremental increase year to year in salary as say a 'normal' corporate worker might expect. This means that pay rates vary astronomically between 'working' actors and 'famous' ones. Basically, there is a huge jump in pay once an actor starts to get a slight profile and garner some momentum. This has a huge effect mathematically on the average. Anyone with a bit of maths knowledge would understand therefore how a few large earners could change the median. This average of $50,000 is not an accurate representation, because the large pay packets of the successful few are dragging up the average. Actually, I think it would be fair to say the average is not even half of this. Most actors are unemployed, fighting for a decent wage, residuals and working conditions. And certainly, $50,000 should not be 'expected' as the previous contributor suggests. Sure, the writer explains that there are a "few who earn far above this number, and some who earn less", but it would be much more accurate to say most earn well less and are lucky to even get a break. Hope this helps. :)

I agree with what was said above, 90 percent of actors are chronically unemployed, so the average is a lot higher than expected.

I believe with the average pay of being $50,000 a year but I believe that at least there is 60% of actors unemployed or on a break and cant find a job.

You can follow this link, which is pretty reliable source http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Actor_%2f_Actress/Salary