How Many Acting Jobs are in the US? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Industry

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  11 min read

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According to the latest data, the number of acting jobs in the US fluctuates greatly, ranging from an estimated 32,130 to 63,800 working actors.

The acting industryโ€™s employment growth rate is projected to be between 3% and 12% from 2016 to 2026.

While there is a slight majority of male actors, the gender distribution is fairly balanced overall.

An actorโ€™s annual mean wage can reach up to $63.39 per hour, but this varies based on several factors.

There have been anywhere from 2,500 to over 9,300 job openings for actors within a ten-year period depending on location and market demand.

Union membership with SAG/AFTRA or Equity can significantly impact an actorโ€™s salary and job security.

The acting industry is known for its competitive nature

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how many acting jobs are in the us

Understanding the Acting Industry in the US: An Introduction

Now that I think about it, the acting industry in the United States is a fascinating and dynamic field. With its range of opportunities, from Hollywood to local theatre productions, acting presents an avenue for creative expression and storytelling that attracts individuals from all walks of life.

The Number of Acting Jobs in the US: A Dynamic and Varying Landscape

In terms of numbers, acting jobs in the US can vary widely due to the ever-changing nature of this industry. Research data suggests that there are approximately between 32,130 and 63,800 actors working in the country within recent years. By the way, these figures might not entirely represent all available opportunities as many actors work on a freelance basis or find their niche in non-traditional settings such as digital media or live events.

Gender Distribution among Actors: A Balanced Split with Slight Male Majority

You see, gender distribution among actors is almost evenly divided with slightly more males than females working in this field. This offers insight into gender representation within film and television casting calls offering on-screen opportunities to both genders almost equally.

Exploring Actorsโ€™ Annual Mean Wage: Up to $63.39 per Hour

All things considered; itโ€™s vital for aspiring actors to understand their potential earnings when stepping into this industry. As per certain estimates, actors can earn up to $63.39 per hour.

Fluctuating Job Openings for Actors: Ranging from 2,500 to Over 9,300 within a Ten-Year Period

In any case, the number of job openings for actors fluctuates significantly year-by-year. With estimates ranging from about 2,500 to over 9,300 openings within a decade, itโ€™s imperative to know that opportunities arenโ€™t limited to traditional hubs such as Los Angeles or New York City but are increasingly available across several US cities.

Understanding Union Membership and its Impact on Salary and Job Security Levels

Becoming part of a union like SAG/AFTRA or Equity can have substantial implications on actorsโ€™ salary levels and job security. With approximately 160,000 members in SAG/AFTRA and around 51,000 in Equity, these unions offer support and protection for their actor members.

The Competitive Nature of the Acting Industry: A Challenging Path to Success

Given the competitive nature of this industry; not everyone manages to make a living through their acting careers. Therefore, it is crucial for aspirants to devise strategies for negotiating with talent agencies and casting directors tactfully while continuing honing their craft through auditions and stage performances.

how many acting jobs are in the us

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Given the vast number of acting jobs available in the US, it is no wonder many people are curious about where they can study acting. New York, with its thriving theatre scene, is a popular choice. Alternatively, for those considering overseas options, we provide information on where to study in places like London and Australia.

Navigating the world of auditions can be tricky and having the right resources on hand can certainly provide an edge. Our post on how to use Actors Access effectively is designed specifically to guide you in this journey. However, stepping into acting requires more than just knowing where to look for jobs and how to audition.

A concrete understanding of how long should an acting reel be is also crucial for success โ€“ check out our article on the ideal length of an acting reel. Moreover, apart from these technical aspects, you also need to learn about the profession as a whole before you decide if this career path is right for you. For that purpose, our post discussing the pros and cons of a career in acting would be incredibly insightful.

Lastly, make sure not to miss our informative piece on whether actors need to go to acting school โ€“ this article will help clarify the importance of formal education in acting.

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My Personal Take about How many acting jobs are in the US?

Hey there, buddy! Steve Dez here. Just thought Iโ€™d shoot the breeze with you about one of my favorite topics: acting in Hollywood.

By the way, did you know Iโ€™m considered an expert in this field? Itโ€™s true! Iโ€™ve dedicated my life to understanding the ins and outs of not only the craft of acting but also how to thrive as a business-savvy actor.

Right now, you might be wondering, โ€œhow many acting jobs are in the US?โ€ Itโ€™s a question I get asked quite often. In fact, it inspired me to write a comprehensive guide titled โ€œHow Many Acting Jobs are in the US? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Industry.โ€

In any case, it can seem overwhelming when trying to navigate this industry. But never fear โ€“โ€“ thereโ€™s plenty of room for talented individuals looking for their big break.

All things considered, itโ€™s important to remember that success doesnโ€™t happen overnight. However, with dedication and perseverance (and a little help from experts like yours truly), your name could be up in lights one day.

You see, becoming a Hollywood actor is more than just landing roles โ€“ itโ€™s about falling in love with the process and always striving to better your craft.

Keep dreaming big, keep grinding hard, and who knows โ€“โ€“ maybe weโ€™ll see each other on set someday!

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Before you goโ€ฆ

**Takeaway 1:** The acting industry in the US is highly unpredictable and offers a wide range of job opportunities. With estimates ranging from 32,130 to 63,800 working actors, the number of available acting jobs can vary greatly. Additionally, the growth rate for employment of actors is projected to be between 3 percent and 12 percent from 2016 to 2026. However, itโ€™s important to note that these projections may not include all acting opportunities, especially those in freelance or non-traditional settings like digital media or live events.

**Takeaway 2:** Gender distribution among actors is nearly equal, with slightly more male actors than female ones. This indicates that acting is a field where both genders have equal opportunities and representation. Furthermore, the annual mean wage for actors can reach up to $63.39 per hour according to some estimates. This suggests that there is potential for good earning potential within the industry.

**Takeaway 3:** Job openings for actors can vary significantly from year to year, with estimations ranging from about 2,500 to over 9,300 openings within a ten-year period. These job opportunities are not limited to traditional acting hubs like Los Angeles and New York City but are increasingly available across various cities nationwide. This means that aspiring actors have more options when it comes to finding work. Overall, itโ€™s important to acknowledge that while there are numerous job opportunities in the acting industry, only a small portion of individuals manage to make a living out of their acting career due its competitive nature. However, with dedication and persistence, itโ€™s possible for aspiring actors to find success in this dynamic field.

If youโ€™re trying to increase your chances of landing one of the many acting jobs in the US, consider taking some acting classes. At Dezperate Actor, you can discover the best classes that can help you hone your skills and become more competitive in the industry.



Donโ€™t let geographical limitations stop you from pursuing your passion. With an increasing number of acting jobs becoming available online, taking an online acting course might just give you the edge you need. Make sure to check out Dezperate Actorโ€™s recommendations for top-quality online courses that could prepare you for this digital shift in the industry.



The number of available acting jobs in the US may be overwhelming, but with proper training from reputable acting classes or through comprehensive online courses, breaking into Hollywood might just be a few auditions away. Start shaping your dreams at Dezperate Actor today!

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actorยฎ and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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