By Aurelio Locsin Updated July 01, 2018
Though the acting profession may be creatively rich, its professionals may be less financially blessed. As of May 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that employment for actors is so irregular that the agency could only calculate hourly rates for the profession and not the customary annual income.
Average Salaries
Actors averaged a mean $39.84 per hour in 2016, according to the BLS. The lowest-paid 10 percent made $9.39 hourly, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned over $100 hourly. Most worked in the motion picture and video industries to make a mean hourly $50.88. Independent actors made a lower average wage at $44.46 per hour. Other typical employers and average salaries were performing arts companies, which offered $27.13 per hour, amusem*nt parks with $31.25 hourly and performing arts promoters with $22.14 per hour.
Movie Salaries
Starting wages for movie actors are defined by the combined labor union of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Artists and production companies are free to settle on compensation that is higher than these minimums. Performers hired for the day earned $933 for that period as of July 2016. Singing on and off camera in solos and duos changed daily minimums to $1,010, but in groups of three to eight, pay dropped to $886. Actors who were hired for the week earned $3,239 for the week. Singing in solos or duos also paid the same weekly amounts as nonsinging actors.
TV Salaries
Television performers received the same amount as movie actors except when given a “major role.” This is defined as someone who was granted a credit at the front of the show with the forms “Guest Star,” “Special Guest Star,” “Starring” or “Special Appearance By." They received $5,132 per week in half-hour shows, and $8,210 per week for one-hour shows. Those hired for 10 to 19 weeks made $2,780 per week, while those who worked for 20 or more weeks made $2,314 per week. Television also had rates for actors hired to work for three days. Whether they sang or not on half-hour or full-hour shows, they received $2,363 for the period.
Theater Salaries
The Actors Equity Association was the labor union responsible for defining minimum wages for stage actors, and negotiated contracts based on location and type of performance. On Broadway, for example, where stages represent the pinnacle of the theater actor’s profession, the minimum salary for an actor varied between $236 and $684 a week as of June 2016. For Chicago area theaters, actors earned between $246.25 and $886.50 a week as of June 2017.
As an expert in the field of performing arts and the entertainment industry, I can confidently delve into the details provided by Aurelio Locsin in the article on work, career advice, and salary and compensation for actors. My extensive knowledge and understanding of the dynamics within the acting profession allow me to shed light on the intricacies mentioned in the article.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a reputable source for labor-related information, is cited in the article to highlight the irregular nature of employment for actors. This information is indicative of the challenges actors face in securing consistent work, which is crucial for understanding the financial aspects of their careers.
The average salaries for actors are outlined, with specific emphasis on hourly rates. According to the BLS data from 2016, actors earned a mean of $39.84 per hour. The article breaks down the income distribution further, revealing that the lowest-paid 10 percent earned $9.39 per hour, while the top 10 percent made over $100 per hour. The variation in earnings is attributed to factors such as industry and employment type.
The article also delves into the specific earnings of actors in different sectors. For instance, actors working in the motion picture and video industries earned a mean hourly wage of $50.88, while independent actors made a slightly lower average wage at $44.46 per hour. This breakdown provides a nuanced understanding of the financial landscape for actors in various segments of the industry.
Furthermore, the article details salary information for actors in movies, television, and theater. Movie actors' starting wages are defined by the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), with different compensation for various roles and scenarios. Television performers receive comparable amounts to movie actors, but with distinctions for those with "major roles." Theater salaries, governed by the Actors Equity Association, vary based on location and type of performance, providing insights into the diverse income structures within the theatrical realm.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive overview of the financial aspects of an actor's career, considering the irregular nature of employment, average salaries, and specific earnings in movies, television, and theater. The inclusion of data from reputable sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry labor unions enhances the credibility and reliability of the information presented.
