Acting Fact: Only About 20% of Union Actors Earn More Than $10,000 Annually

By Webmaster

  • Acting Fact: Only about 20% of union actors earn more than $10,000 per year. (A sobering or encouraging fact, depending on your perspective.)

    This is a sobering fact of life for most actors. While many actors enter the profession dreaming of fame and riches, the fact is that only a tiny handful of actors ever achieve it. After all, there’s a reason we all know a famous name like Brad Pitt. It’s because his success is unique – so unique, in fact, that we actually have the time to learn his name.
    Of course, we forget that there were many actors who competed with Brad Pitt for his earlier roles. Many of those actors continue to be nameless and faceless.

    However, this fact can either be depressing or encouraging, depending on your prospective. If you are the type who runs toward a challenge, instead of running away from a challenge, this fact will not deter you. It may, in fact, make you work even harder. And, think of the joy and sense of accomplishment you’ll have when you become one of the top-earning 20%.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What Do Actors Do in Love Scenes?

    What Do Actors Do in Love Scenes? Behind the camera, love scenes require careful planning (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Gabriel Bastelli | Pexels) Love scenes are among the most intimate and emotionally charged…

    What is the Point of Acting?

    What is the Point of Acting? How acting provides escapism (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) At its core, acting serves as a means of storytelling. Whether on stage, in film,…

    Why Do Actors Fall in Love on Set?

    Question: Why Do Actors Fall in Love on Set? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Shvets Anna | Pexels) Question: Why Do Actors Fall in Love on Set? Answer: There are several reasons why actors…

    How Long Does It Take to Learn Meisner?

    How Long Does It Take to Learn Meisner? Why learning the Meisner Technique is a long-term commitment (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Fauxels | Pexels) The Meisner Technique is a highly regarded method of…

    What Does It Mean to Go Fi-Core as an Actor?

    What Does It Mean to Go Fi-Core as an Actor? This decision comes with specific implications that every actor should understand (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) The decision to join…

  • Ad

  • How Long Does the Casting Process Take?

    Question: How Long Does the Casting Process Take? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Koolshooters | Pexels) Question: How Long Does the Casting Process Take? Answer: The duration of the casting process depends on several…

    How Long Should an Audition Take?

    Question: How Long Should an Audition Take? (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) How long should an audition take? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the length of an audition depends on…

    Why Do Actors Say, “And, Scene!?”

    Question: Why Do Actors Say, “And, Scene!?” (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Ben Collins | Pexels) The phrase “And, scene!” is a common expression used by actors, directors, and performers across various forms of…

  • Ad

  • How Much Do Actors Get Paid for Kissing Scenes?

    Question: How Much Do Actors Get Paid for Kissing Scenes? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Leeloo the First | Pexels) How much do actors actually get paid for kissing scenes? A common misconception is…

    Why Do Actors Say “Thank You, Places”?

    Question: Why Do Actors Say “Thank You, Places”? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) In the theater world, certain traditions and phrases have become deeply ingrained in the culture of performance….

    How Long Does It Take to Make a Self-Tape?

    Question: How Long Does It Take to Make a Self-Tape? (By Carmichael Phillips) How long does it take to make a self-tape? The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the…

    How Hard Is It to Get an Acting Agent?

    Question: How Hard Is It to Get an Acting Agent? (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Securing an acting agent is a crucial step in an actor’s career. A good agent…

    What Are the Fake Cigarettes That Actors Use?

    Question: What Are the Fake Cigarettes That Actors Use? (By Carmichael Phillips) (Photo: Diana | Pexels) Smoking has often been used to enhance a character’s persona, set a mood, or ground a story…

  • Ad

  • What Do Actors Wear During Love Scenes?

    What Do Actors Wear During Love Scenes? A variety of wardrobe and strategic techniques are employed (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Love scenes require a balance between authenticity and professionalism. To ensure the comfort and…

    How Do Actors Kiss Without Kissing?

    How Do Actors Kiss Without Kissing? Here’s how actors achieve this illusion (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) Kissing scenes are often essential to plotlines and character development, but they can…

    What is Included in an Actor’s Contract?

    What is Included in an Actor’s Contract? An actor’s contract is a detailed document that safeguards the interests of both the actor and the production company. (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Michael Burrows |…

  • Ad

  • Do Actors Get Paid for Streaming?

    Question: Do Actors Get Paid for Streaming? (By Ray Reese) (Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash) The advent of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, and others has revolutionized the entertainment industry. As more…

    Do Actors Need a Website?

    Question: Do Actors Need a Website? (By Ray Reese) Question: Do actors need a website? Answer: No, but having one can be incredibly helpful to your career. Having an online presence is crucial…

    Can You Live Off Being an Actor?

    Question: Can You Live Off Being an Actor? (By Carmichael Phillips) The dream of many aspiring actors is to make a living solely from their craft. However, the journey to financial stability through…

    Do Actors Get Paid for Reruns?

    Question: Do Actors Get Paid for Reruns? (by Jim Webb) (Photo: Karolina Grabowski | Pexels) When you settle in to watch your favorite TV show in syndication, you might wonder whether the actors…

    Why is it so hard to get an acting agent?

    Why Is It So Hard to Get an Acting Agent? Here are some of the reasons why getting an acting agent is so challenging (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Yan Krukau | Pexels) Actors…

  • Ad