In the United States, actors in film and television productions are typically paid a union scale, which is set by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). The union scale for feature films starts at around $18,000 for a small role, and can go up to $1 million or more for a leading role. Actors in television series are paid according to a formula that takes into account the number of episodes they appear in, the type of series, and their billing status. For example, a series regular on a prime-time drama may earn $100,000 per episode, while a guest star on a comedy series may earn $5,000 per episode.
Actors in stage productions are typically paid a weekly salary, which can range from $500 to $2,000 per week. Actors in Broadway shows typically earn the highest salaries, with some top stars earning upwards of $100,000 per week.
Actors in commercials and print ads typically earn a flat fee per project, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Actors who appear in national television commercials may earn even more, with some top stars earning upwards of $1 million per commercial.
In addition to their base salary, actors may also receive royalties from the sale of their work. Royalties are payments made to actors based on the number of times their work is aired or sold. Actors typically receive royalties from the sale of DVDs, video games, and streaming rights.
Overall, actors' salaries can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. However, with hard work, talent, and a bit of luck, actors can potentially earn a very good living.