The job market for actors in the United States

There are currently an estimated 57,000 actors in the United States. The actor job market is expected to grow by 0.3% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are actors?

CareerExplorer rates actors with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 100 actors.

Are actors in demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ‘most roles, no matter how minor, have many actors auditioning for them.’ Job growth in the motion picture segment of the industry is forecasted to be fairly good for new movie and television shows, particularly as competition in this sector heightens and as traditional networks and internet streaming services compete for viewers’ attention and loyalty. Theatre actors are expected to see fewer opportunities in their field, as smaller theatres encounter difficulty securing funding and potentially reduce performances. Mobile and web productions may provide new acting opportunities, but the impact of these new delivery methods is relatively unknown.

What’s the supply of actors?

The actor industry is concentrated in California, New York, Florida

Actor job market by state