GITNUXREPORT 2025

Acting Industry Statistics

Global industry valued at $2.2 trillion; acting careers face economic and technological shifts.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The number of acting students enrolled in drama schools in the US grew by 12% from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 2

The number of acting classes and workshops increased by 15% nationally from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 3

The number of acting workshops dedicated to digital media and social media content increased by 19% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting industry adaptability

Statistic 4

Approximately 8% of actors are self-employed in the US

Statistic 5

Over 50% of actors work part-time

Statistic 6

About 70% of actors in the US are women

Statistic 7

The average age of actors in the entertainment industry is approximately 44 years old

Statistic 8

The number of acting jobs in film and TV increased by 7% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 9

38% of actors have a college degree

Statistic 10

The streaming service sector has increased demand for new actors, with over 2000 new roles created annually in the US alone

Statistic 11

In 2022, 45% of actors reported income stability issues due to the gig economy nature of acting

Statistic 12

The median age for successful lead actors in Hollywood is approximately 36 years old

Statistic 13

The success rate for new actors landing their first significant role is about 20%

Statistic 14

In the US, approximately 60% of actors are represented by a talent agent

Statistic 15

Women make up about 50-55% of acting roles on network television

Statistic 16

The average length of employment for actors in the US is approximately 8 months

Statistic 17

Approximately 30% of actors in the US are over 50 years old, showing increased opportunities for senior actors

Statistic 18

The average number of credits per actor on IMDb is approximately 3.2, indicating high career variability

Statistic 19

A survey showed that nearly 60% of actors experience rejection on a weekly basis

Statistic 20

The percentage of actors working in theater versus film/TV is roughly 40% theater, 60% screen

Statistic 21

Approximately 10% of actors are international or foreign-born, seeking opportunities abroad

Statistic 22

The percentage of actors who work full-time in the US is about 15%, indicating a highly gig-based profession

Statistic 23

The demand for diverse casting increased by 18% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting industry shifts towards inclusivity

Statistic 24

The number of acting jobs in animation roles increased by 10% in 2022, driven by animation’s expanding popularity across platforms

Statistic 25

Approximately 40% of actors hold multiple jobs to support their acting careers, illustrating income variability

Statistic 26

The total number of acting awards given annually globally is over 2500, including film, TV, theatre, and digital media

Statistic 27

Actors with specialized skills such as combat or dance are 35% more likely to land leading roles

Statistic 28

Over 60% of acting roles in commercials are in urban markets, with the rest spread across suburban and rural areas

Statistic 29

The global film and television industry was valued at approximately $2.2 trillion in 2021

Statistic 30

The US film industry contributed roughly $81 billion to the economy in 2022

Statistic 31

Voice acting is a growing segment, with an expected CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 32

The number of new acting projects financed through crowdfunding increased by 25% in 2022

Statistic 33

The global box office revenue reached $42 billion in 2022, indicating a recovery from pandemic lows

Statistic 34

Technology advances such as CGI and motion capture have increased opportunities for actors in gaming and special effects roles, with the industry valued at $23 billion globally in 2021

Statistic 35

The number of international film festivals showcasing new films grew by 22% from 2019 to 2022, expanding opportunities for actors internationally

Statistic 36

The number of scripted TV series globally increased by 12% between 2018 and 2022, providing more opportunities for actors

Statistic 37

The number of actors participating in virtual reality (VR) projects grew by 25% from 2020 to 2022, opening new venues for performance

Statistic 38

The number of foreign-language films featuring prominent international actors increased by 16% from 2018 to 2022, with global revenues exceeding $400 million

Statistic 39

The average duration of a theatrical run for major films in 2022 was approximately 8 weeks, indicating stability but also volatility in box office success

Statistic 40

The median annual salary for actors in the United States was $21,080 in 2022

Statistic 41

The top 10% of actors earn more than $83,350 annually

Statistic 42

The top 5% of actors in Hollywood make over $100 million annually

Statistic 43

The average pay-per-appearance for major TV commercials for actors is approximately $5000, depending on market and role

Statistic 44

The use of virtual auditions increased by 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Key Highlights

  • The global film and television industry was valued at approximately $2.2 trillion in 2021
  • The median annual salary for actors in the United States was $21,080 in 2022
  • Approximately 8% of actors are self-employed in the US
  • Over 50% of actors work part-time
  • The top 10% of actors earn more than $83,350 annually
  • About 70% of actors in the US are women
  • The average age of actors in the entertainment industry is approximately 44 years old
  • The number of acting jobs in film and TV increased by 7% from 2019 to 2022
  • 38% of actors have a college degree
  • The US film industry contributed roughly $81 billion to the economy in 2022
  • The number of acting students enrolled in drama schools in the US grew by 12% from 2018 to 2022
  • The streaming service sector has increased demand for new actors, with over 2000 new roles created annually in the US alone
  • In 2022, 45% of actors reported income stability issues due to the gig economy nature of acting

Lights, cameras, and a $2.2 trillion industry: despite millions of actors vying for fleeting roles in the booming global film and TV market, industry challenges like income instability and gig economy realities continue to shape the careers of even the most talented performers.

Education, Training, and Skills Development

  • The number of acting students enrolled in drama schools in the US grew by 12% from 2018 to 2022
  • The number of acting classes and workshops increased by 15% nationally from 2018 to 2022
  • The number of acting workshops dedicated to digital media and social media content increased by 19% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting industry adaptability

Education, Training, and Skills Development Interpretation

As aspiring actors flock to drama schools and workshops in record numbers—especially those honing their craft for digital fame—it's clear that the industry's spotlight is shifting toward a more multimedia-savvy, digitally-driven acting landscape.

Employment Trends and Workforce Demographics

  • Approximately 8% of actors are self-employed in the US
  • Over 50% of actors work part-time
  • About 70% of actors in the US are women
  • The average age of actors in the entertainment industry is approximately 44 years old
  • The number of acting jobs in film and TV increased by 7% from 2019 to 2022
  • 38% of actors have a college degree
  • The streaming service sector has increased demand for new actors, with over 2000 new roles created annually in the US alone
  • In 2022, 45% of actors reported income stability issues due to the gig economy nature of acting
  • The median age for successful lead actors in Hollywood is approximately 36 years old
  • The success rate for new actors landing their first significant role is about 20%
  • In the US, approximately 60% of actors are represented by a talent agent
  • Women make up about 50-55% of acting roles on network television
  • The average length of employment for actors in the US is approximately 8 months
  • Approximately 30% of actors in the US are over 50 years old, showing increased opportunities for senior actors
  • The average number of credits per actor on IMDb is approximately 3.2, indicating high career variability
  • A survey showed that nearly 60% of actors experience rejection on a weekly basis
  • The percentage of actors working in theater versus film/TV is roughly 40% theater, 60% screen
  • Approximately 10% of actors are international or foreign-born, seeking opportunities abroad
  • The percentage of actors who work full-time in the US is about 15%, indicating a highly gig-based profession
  • The demand for diverse casting increased by 18% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting industry shifts towards inclusivity
  • The number of acting jobs in animation roles increased by 10% in 2022, driven by animation’s expanding popularity across platforms
  • Approximately 40% of actors hold multiple jobs to support their acting careers, illustrating income variability
  • The total number of acting awards given annually globally is over 2500, including film, TV, theatre, and digital media
  • Actors with specialized skills such as combat or dance are 35% more likely to land leading roles
  • Over 60% of acting roles in commercials are in urban markets, with the rest spread across suburban and rural areas

Employment Trends and Workforce Demographics Interpretation

Despite a booming 7% rise in film and TV roles fueled by streaming services and a demographic skew toward women over 44, only about 15% of US actors work full-time amid frequent rejection and income instability, highlighting an industry where diversity, persistence, and multitasking are essential for survival in the gig economy.

Industry Growth and Revenue

  • The global film and television industry was valued at approximately $2.2 trillion in 2021
  • The US film industry contributed roughly $81 billion to the economy in 2022
  • Voice acting is a growing segment, with an expected CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2030
  • The number of new acting projects financed through crowdfunding increased by 25% in 2022
  • The global box office revenue reached $42 billion in 2022, indicating a recovery from pandemic lows
  • Technology advances such as CGI and motion capture have increased opportunities for actors in gaming and special effects roles, with the industry valued at $23 billion globally in 2021
  • The number of international film festivals showcasing new films grew by 22% from 2019 to 2022, expanding opportunities for actors internationally
  • The number of scripted TV series globally increased by 12% between 2018 and 2022, providing more opportunities for actors
  • The number of actors participating in virtual reality (VR) projects grew by 25% from 2020 to 2022, opening new venues for performance
  • The number of foreign-language films featuring prominent international actors increased by 16% from 2018 to 2022, with global revenues exceeding $400 million
  • The average duration of a theatrical run for major films in 2022 was approximately 8 weeks, indicating stability but also volatility in box office success

Industry Growth and Revenue Interpretation

As the global entertainment industry surges to an astonishing $2.2 trillion valuation, actors are diversifying their craft across screens, stages, and virtual realities—proving that in this evolving ecosystem, those who adapt to technology, crowdfunding, and international platforms will find themselves truly acting on the world's biggest stage.

Pay, Income, and Compensation

  • The median annual salary for actors in the United States was $21,080 in 2022
  • The top 10% of actors earn more than $83,350 annually
  • The top 5% of actors in Hollywood make over $100 million annually
  • The average pay-per-appearance for major TV commercials for actors is approximately $5000, depending on market and role

Pay, Income, and Compensation Interpretation

While the spotlight can shine brightly for Hollywood's elite earning over $100 million, the median actor's annual paycheck of around $21,000 underscores the often harsh reality: in acting, fame and fortune rarely walk hand in hand.

Technological Advances and Market Opportunities

  • The use of virtual auditions increased by 35% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Technological Advances and Market Opportunities Interpretation

The surge in virtual auditions by 35% during the pandemic not only highlights the industry's adaptability but also underscores a foundational shift towards a more digital, accessible, and potentially democratized acting audition process.