Actors

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Career Profile

Actors

What they do

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.

Also Called: Actor, Actress, Comedian, Comic, Community Theater Actor, Ensemble Member, Narrator, Performer, Tour Actor, Voice-Over Artist, Actor, Actress, Comedian, Comic, Community Theater Actor, Ensemble Member, Narrator, Performer, Tour Actor, Voice-Over Artist

US Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$34,320
Starting Salary (2025)
$60,424
Median Salary (2025)
0.3%
Projected Job Growth
2,160
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

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.
Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Social
Working with people
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Cooperation
Persistence
Initiative
Social Orientation
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Time Management
Monitoring

Expected Knowledge

Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Common Activities

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Less than high school 45%
  • Bachelor's degree 21%
  • High school diploma 16%
  • Professional degree 14%
  • Post-secondary certificate 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Musicians and Singers
Choreographers
Talent Directors
Music Directors and Composers
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.