Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer's script to entertain or inform an audience.

Actors work in various settings, including production studios, theaters, theme parks, or on location. Work assignments are usually short, ranging from 1 day to a few months.

Many actors enhance their skills through formal dramatic education, and long-term training is common.

The median hourly wage for actors was $18.80 in May 2015.

Employment of actors is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth in the motion picture industry will stem from continued strong demand for new movies and television shows.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for actors.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of actors with similar occupations.

Learn more about actors by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.