Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Actors
Also called: Actress, Comedian, Community Theater Actor, Entertainer
US median pay
—
not published
Job growth 2025–35
0%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
6,300
67,500 employed
Typical entry education
Some college, no degree
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.
- Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
- Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
- Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
- Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
- Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
- Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.
- Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.
- Promote productions using means such as interviews about plays or movies.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.6/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Persuasion2.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.5/5
- Negotiation2.4/5
- Instructing2.4/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.4/5
- Fine Arts4.0/5
- Communications and Media3.7/5
- Psychology3.0/5
- Sociology and Anthropology2.8/5
- Sales and Marketing2.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): Some college, no degree.
Who this job suits
Mostly Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.