Experience: Actors with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out. For example, an actor with several leading roles in major motion pictures may earn millions of dollars per film, while an actor with a few minor roles in smaller productions may earn only a few thousand dollars.
Role Size: The size of an actor's role also plays a significant factor in their salary. Lead actors in major motion pictures typically earn more than supporting actors or extras.
Production Budget: The budget of the production also affects actors' salaries. Actors in big-budget productions typically earn more than those in smaller, independent films.
Geographic Location: Actors' salaries can also vary depending on where they are working. Actors in Hollywood, California, typically earn more than those in other parts of the country.
According to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the minimum union scale for a non-union actor in a supporting role in a major motion picture is approximately $1,800 per day. For a union actor, the minimum scale is approximately $3,000 per day. Lead actors in major motion pictures can earn millions of dollars per film.
TV actors' salaries can also vary widely, depending on the size and popularity of the show they are working on. Lead actors in popular shows can earn millions of dollars per season, while actors in smaller, less popular shows may earn only a few thousand dollars per episode.
Voice actors' salaries can also vary, depending on their experience and the number of lines they have in a production. Voice actors in major animated films can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per film.
In addition to their base salaries, actors may also receive bonuses, royalties, and other forms of compensation. These additional payments can significantly increase their overall earnings.