Actors
SOC Code: 27-2011 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Advertisement
Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Actors. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA | $40,435 | $90,501 | $140,566 | $190,632 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $40,290 | $86,445 | $132,579 | $178,734 |
| Rochester, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| Ithaca, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| Elmira, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| Kingston, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| Binghamton, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $44,782 | $88,587 | $132,413 | $176,218 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 3.9 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.8 | |
| Monitoring | 3.0 | |
| Time Management | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.0 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.9 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 | |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts | 4.7 |
| English Language | 4.3 |
| Communications and Media | 4.1 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 3.4 |
| Psychology | 3.3 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.1 |
| Sales and Marketing | 2.9 |
| Education and Training | 2.7 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school | 45.4% |
| Bachelor's degree | 20.7% |
| High school diploma | 16.2% |
| First professional degree (MD, JD) | 13.9% |
| Some college | 3.8% |
Typical Tasks
- Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
- Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
- Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
- Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
- Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
- Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.
- Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
- Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Facebook Linux Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word TikTok Zoom Apple Final Cut Pro Email software FileMaker Pro Instagram LinkedIn Motion capture software
Calculate your wage level for Actors →
Advertisement
H-1B Guides & Resources
Looking for an H-1B immigration attorney?
Find experienced immigration lawyers in our attorney directory.