Career overview
Actors
O*NET-SOC 27-2011.00
Median pay / yr$23
OutlookBelow Average
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.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Actors.
Skills employers look for
- Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Knowledge areas
- Fine ArtsKnowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Communications and MediaKnowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Sociology and AnthropologyKnowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
- PsychologyKnowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Certifications that help you get hired
Not sure this fits? FirstEmbark's free quiz matches you to careers based on what you actually enjoy — no account needed.