Salary Breakdown for Non-A-List Actors: Understanding Earnings Across Various Platforms

Aspiring actors often wonder about the earnings of non-A-list performers. The pay scale for non-A-list actors can vary widely based on numerous factors such as their experience, the type of project—be it film, television, theater, or commercials—production budget, and their role within the project. This article provides an overview of salary expectations in different entertainment sectors and highlights the importance of negotiation skills and constant work.

Television

Non-A-list actors in television, particularly Network TV, might earn between $15,000 to $50,000 per episode for a recurring role in a popular series. In Cable TV, the payment can vary from $5,000 to $20,000 per episode, depending on the show's budget and the actor's experience.

Film

For non-A-list actors in the film industry:
- Independent Films: They may earn between $1,000 to $20,000 for a role, depending on the film's budget and their experience.
- Studio Films: Supporting roles in mid-budget films might bring in between $20,000 to $200,000.

Theater

In theater, the earnings can be quite different. Actors in regional theaters or smaller productions may earn between $500 to $2,000 per week. However, actors in Broadway productions might earn significantly more, with a typical weekly range of $2,000 to $5,000 per week.

Commercials

Payment for commercials can vary widely. Non-A-list actors might earn between $1,000 to $10,000 for a single day's worth of work, depending on the project's scope and usage rights.

It's crucial to understand that these figures can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, such as the actor's negotiation skills, the demand for their talent, and the specific circumstances of the production. Many actors supplement their income through other avenues, such as voiceovers, teaching, or other acting-related work.

It is extremely difficult to accurately determine how much a 'average actor' earns since government statistics often provide misleading figures like average hourly pay, which is not realistic for actors. The demand for acting work is sporadic, and actors often earn from other jobs as well. The New Zealand Government's data suggests that the average non-A-list actor earns about $10,000 per year from acting alone, which is about one-fifth of the annual average for all workers.