Actor salary in Tucson, AZ
Actors in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $18.12 an hour, based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $15.32 for the lowest-paid 10% to $26.93 for the top 10%. That is 38% lower than the national median of $29.05. Pay here is 14% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $21.16. There are 0.18 actors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.51).
Pay range for actors in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $15.32 |
| 25th percentile | $17.86 |
| Median | $18.12 |
| 75th percentile | $26.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $26.93 |
| Average (mean) | $21.74 |
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 $18.12 an hour, every 40-hour week pays $724.80.
Actor salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median hourly | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $23.77 | 270 |
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 Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,080 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $64,530 | $31.03 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,630 | $29.63 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $57,920 | $27.85 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,010 | $20.68 |
| Technical Writer | $75,070 | $36.09 |
| Interior Designer | $58,110 | $27.94 |
| Editor | $59,420 | $28.57 |
| Broadcast Technician | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Writers and Authors | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| Floral Designer | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| Photographer | $43,360 | $20.85 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, 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 Tucson, AZ?
The median hourly wage for actors in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $18.12 an hour. Pay ranges from $15.32 for the lowest-paid 10% to $26.93 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid actors make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of actors in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $26.93 an hour. The top 25% earn $26.93 or more.
What is the starting pay for actors in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $15.32 an hour, and a quarter of actors earn $17.86 or less.
How many actors work in Tucson, AZ?
About 70 actors are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.