Hourly Wage for Actress Salary in the United States

How much does an Actress make hourly?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Actress in the United States is $31, which translates to an annual salary of about $65,101.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $45 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $26 to $38 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $21 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Actress Salaries

An Actress's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Actress Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Actresses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $72,101.
  • California: $71,801.
  • Massachusetts: $70,901.

Top Paying Cities for Actresses

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $82,101
  • San Francisco: $81,201
  • Oakland: $79,501

Actress Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Actress salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,101. While startup companies pay approximate $65,101.

Actress Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,101
Growth Stage 51~500 $65,101
Established 501~5000 $65,101
Enterprise 5000+ $65,101

Actress Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Actress's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$53,701
Average $65,101/year
$79,501
$4,475
Average $5,425/month
$6,625
$1,033
Average $1,252/week
$1,529
$26
Average $31/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,501 $6,625 $1,529 $38
Average $65,101 $5,425 $1,252 $31
25th Percentile $53,701 $4,475 $1,033 $26

Most common benefits for Actress

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Actress

1. Is an Actor a high paying job?

An actor can earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $51,801, a mid-range salary of $62,901, and a maximum of $76,801. This indicates that many actors can achieve a comfortable income, especially those in the top earning bracket. Overall, acting can be a lucrative profession for those who succeed in the industry.

2. Can I make a living off acting?

Making a living off acting is challenging. Based on salary data, the minimum salary for actresses is approximately $51,801, with a mid-range salary of about $62,901 and a maximum of $76,801. However, only about 2% of actors achieve this level of income consistently, highlighting the competitive nature of the film industry.

3. How do actors get paid?

Actors typically receive compensation based on their experience, role, and the production's budget. Salaries can vary widely, but for many actresses, the minimum salary is around $51,801, with a mid-range salary of approximately $62,901, and top earners making up to $76,801. Payment structures may include upfront fees, royalties, or profit-sharing agreements.

4. How much money do actresses get paid?

How much does an Actress make? Based on recent salary data, actresses earn between $51,801 and $76,801 annually, with a median salary of $62,901. This translates to approximately $24.92 to $36.92 per hour, or about $1,000 to $1,500 per week.

5. Is acting a stressful job?

Acting can indeed be a stressful job due to the pressures of performance, public scrutiny, and the competitive nature of the industry. However, it can also be rewarding, with salaries ranging from approximately $51,801 to $76,801, depending on experience and role. Balancing the demands of the profession with personal well-being is essential for success.

6. What is the salary of an Actress?

The salary of an actress typically ranges from a minimum of $51,801 to a maximum of $76,801, with a mid-range salary of $62,901. This reflects the earnings of various actresses, which can vary significantly based on their popularity and the projects they undertake.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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