A high salary does not necessarily mean high satisfaction.
After graduation, acting graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $62,449, while the bottom 20% make closer to $21,816. The median grad salary is $36,910.
Acting graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in acting is $38,228, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $37,183.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in acting is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career