How Much Do Broadway Actors Make? Breaking Down the Numbers Factors that Affect Salary Conclusion

The question of how much Broadway actors earn is a common one, and the answer can vary depending on a number of factors, including the actor’s experience, the size of the role, and the success of the show.

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Union Minimums

According to the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union that represents stage actors and stage managers in the United States, the minimum salary for a Broadway actor is $1,868 per week. This rate applies to all actors, regardless of their experience or the size of their role.

Salary Negotiations

While the union minimum is the starting point for salary negotiations, many actors are able to negotiate higher salaries, especially if they have a lot of experience or are playing a leading role. The average salary for a Broadway actor is around $2,500 per week, but some actors can earn much more, depending on their individual circumstances.

Success of the Show

The success of a show can also have a big impact on an actor’s salary. Actors in long-running shows are often able to negotiate higher salaries than actors in shows that close quickly. Additionally, actors in shows that win awards or receive critical acclaim may be able to command higher salaries in future productions.

Other Income Sources

In addition to their weekly salaries, Broadway actors may also earn additional income from royalties, merchandise sales, and other sources. Royalties are payments that actors receive each time their show is performed. The amount of royalties that an actor receives depends on the terms of their contract and the success of the show. Merchandise sales can also be a significant source of income for some actors, especially if their show is particularly popular.

According to a 2018 study by the AEA, the median annual income for Broadway actors was $55,000. This means that half of all Broadway actors earned more than $55,000 per year, while the other half earned less. The study also found that the top 10% of Broadway actors earned more than $140,000 per year, while the bottom 10% earned less than $25,000 per year.

A number of factors can affect an actor’s salary, including:

Experience: Actors with more experience typically earn higher salaries than actors with less experience.
Role size: Actors who play leading roles typically earn higher salaries than actors who play supporting roles.
Success of the show: Actors in long-running shows and critically acclaimed shows typically earn higher salaries than actors in shows that close quickly or receive negative reviews.
Union membership: Actors who are members of the AEA are eligible for union minimums and other benefits.
Negotiation skills: Actors who are skilled at negotiating their contracts can often earn higher salaries than actors who are not.

The amount that Broadway actors earn can vary depending on a number of factors, but the average salary is around $2,500 per week. Actors with more experience, who play leading roles, and who are in successful shows can often earn much more. While acting on Broadway can be a lucrative career, it is important to remember that it is also a competitive field. Only a small percentage of actors are able to make a living from acting on Broadway.