Navigating the world of acting can be both thrilling and daunting, especially when it comes to understanding how actors get paid. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring talent, having a clear grasp of the financial landscape is crucial. From the glitz and glamour of leading film roles to the essential contributions of background extras, each type of acting role comes with its own set of compensation norms and expectations. Note that these rates are for the non-famous actors. Name actors will get much higher raters based on their popularity and what their agents negotiate.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various types of acting roles and provide detailed insights into what actors can expect to earn. By exploring everything from commercial gigs and voiceover work to theater performances and web series, we aim to demystify the pay structures that drive the entertainment industry.
Understanding these pay scales not only helps actors make informed career decisions but also sheds light on the economic realities of pursuing a life on stage and screen. Whether you’re eyeing a coveted spot on Broadway or a breakout role in an indie film, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your financial journey in the acting world.
We’ll also cover the specific pay rates for unionized actors, including those who are members of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Union membership often ensures minimum pay rates, residuals, and additional protections that can significantly impact an actor’s earnings and working conditions.
Join us as we break down the earnings potential for different acting roles, offering a clear picture of what you can expect at each stage of your acting career.
Here’s the detailed breakdown of each type of acting role, now including pay rates for union members:
1. Background/Extras
- Description: Non-speaking roles, often part of the crowd in scenes. They add realism to scenes.
- Pay Range: $100 – $200 per day.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Approximately $182 per day, with potential for overtime and additional pay for special abilities or features.
2. Stand-ins
- Description: Substitute for main actors during lighting and camera setup to ensure proper framing and lighting.
- Pay Range: $150 – $250 per day.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Around $209 per day.
3. Commercial Actors
- Description: Actors in TV or online commercials, promoting products or services.
- Pay Range: $500 – $5,000+ per commercial.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Can start at $627 for a principal role in a national commercial, with additional residuals for each time the commercial airs.
4. Voiceover Artists
- Description: Provide voices for animations, video games, audiobooks, advertisements, etc.
- Pay Range: $200 – $3,000 per project.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Rates can start around $200 per hour for video games, with residuals for certain projects.
5. Theatre Actors
- Description: Performers in live theater productions, including plays and musicals.
- Pay Range: $500 – $2,000 per week.
- AEA Rate: As of 2023, Broadway minimum is around $2,349 per week, with variations based on the type of production and location.
6. Day Players
- Description: Actors with small speaking roles in TV shows or films, hired on a daily basis.
- Pay Range: $700 – $1,500 per day.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Approximately $1,056 per day.
7. Recurring TV Roles
- Description: Actors with roles that appear in multiple episodes of a TV series.
- Pay Range: $2,500 – $8,000 per episode.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Varies, but often starts around $3,500 per episode for a recurring role.
8. Guest Stars
- Description: Actors with significant roles in one or a few episodes of a TV series.
- Pay Range: $3,000 – $7,000 per episode.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Typically starts around $5,000 per episode.
9. Supporting Roles in Films
- Description: Actors with significant but secondary roles in movies.
- Pay Range: $20,000 – $50,000 per film.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Can vary widely but often starts around $1,000 per day for feature films.
10. Leading Roles in Films
- Description: Main actors in a film.
- Pay Range: $100,000 – $500,000+ per film.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Top stars can command millions; minimums can start at $3,000 per week for low-budget films.
11. Broadway Actors
- Description: Performers in Broadway productions.
- Pay Range: $2,000 – $3,500 per week.
- AEA Rate: As mentioned, Broadway minimum is around $2,349 per week, with variations.
12. Indie Film Actors
- Description: Actors in independent films, often with lower budgets.
- Pay Range: $50 – $500 per day.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Can start at $125 per day for ultra-low-budget films.
13. Web Series Actors
- Description: Performers in online series.
- Pay Range: $100 – $500 per episode.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Varies, with new media contracts often negotiated based on budget.
14. Student Film Actors
- Description: Actors in films created by students, often as part of a course.
- Pay Range: $0 – $100 per day.
- Details: Often unpaid, but actors might receive meals, travel reimbursements, and footage for their reels.
15. Stunt Performers
- Description: Actors performing stunts, requiring physical skill and sometimes danger.
- Pay Range: $500 – $1,000+ per day.
- SAG-AFTRA Rate: Rates start around $1,000 per day, with additional pay for high-risk stunts.
