Industry Facts
The 2024 median salary for actors is $59,903
About 6,300 actor job openings are projected annually over the next decade.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 62,560 jobs for actors in the U.S. in 2023.
Future Trends
Acting continues to evolve as technology changes how stories are created and how audiences watch them. Actors are performing in a wider range of formats, including streaming series, animated projects, video games, and digital media. New tools such as motion capture, virtual production, and artificial intelligence are changing how actors prepare for and perform roles. There is also a growing focus on inclusive storytelling that highlights diverse cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences.
Explosive growth in content demand: The expansion of global streaming platforms has dramatically increased the volume of original film, television, and limited series productions. More productions mean more roles, more auditions, and more opportunities for working actors across a wider range of genres, languages, and storytelling formats than at any previous point in the industry's history.
New performance categories in gaming, voice, and motion capture: The growth of video games, animated series, audiobooks, and podcasts has created substantial new markets for voice acting and performance capture work. Actors who develop skills in voice performance, motion capture technique, and audio storytelling can access career paths that barely existed a generation ago and that continue to expand rapidly.
Direct-to-audience platforms reducing gatekeepers: Social media, YouTube, and self-produced digital content have created pathways for actors to build audiences, demonstrate range, and attract industry attention without waiting for traditional casting opportunities. Actors who can create and distribute their own work have more control over their visibility and career trajectory than ever before.
Explore more resources for a future Actor:
Education & Certification
Many actors study theater, drama, film, communications, or performing arts in college. Education often focuses on acting techniques, script analysis, voice and movement, improvisation, and character development. High school classes in drama, English, speech, music, and media studies can help build confidence, communication skills, and performance experience.
Some actors complete specialized training or certifications to strengthen skills in areas such as voice acting, stage combat, musical theater, or on-camera performance. Acting workshops, theater programs, conservatories, and online courses are common ways to continue developing technique and experience. Ongoing learning is important as performance styles, media formats, and industry expectations continue to change.
To prepare…
Take drama, theater, speech, or media classes to develop performance skills, confidence, and storytelling ability.
Participate in school plays, drama clubs, improv groups, or community theater to gain hands-on experience performing and working with others.
Practice monologues, scenes, or short performances for school projects or on your own to build technique, comfort, and stage presence.
