Actor salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Actors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $23.77 an hour, based on BLS data for 270 workers.
Pay ranges from $17.88 for the lowest-paid 10% to $29.16 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $29.05. Pay here is 12% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $21.16. There are 0.11 actors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.32).
Pay range for actors in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $17.88 |
| 25th percentile | $18.39 |
| Median | $23.77 |
| 75th percentile | $29.02 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $29.16 |
| Average (mean) | $23.65 |
Half of actors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
BLS publishes only hourly pay for this job, because actors often work irregular hours or short engagements, so a yearly figure would be misleading. At $23.77 an hour, every 40-hour week pays $950.80.
Actor salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median hourly | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $18.12 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for actors
| State | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $36.98 |
| Oregon | $29.81 |
| New York | $28.44 |
| Connecticut | $27.91 |
| Texas | $25.86 |
| Alabama | $24.71 |
| New Jersey | $24.29 |
| Mississippi | $23.71 |
| Pennsylvania | $22.15 |
| Tennessee | $21.82 |
See Actor pay in every state or the Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $58,560 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $50,070 | — |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $50,250 | — |
| Dancer | — | $26.00 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $23.46 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $22.15 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,490 | $33.89 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Interior Designer | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,150 | $22.67 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a actor make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median hourly wage for actors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $23.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $17.88 for the lowest-paid 10% to $29.16 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid actors make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of actors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $29.16 an hour. The top 25% earn $29.02 or more.
What is the starting pay for actors in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $17.88 an hour, and a quarter of actors earn $18.39 or less.
How many actors work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 270 actors are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.