Income for Canadian actors varies widely on contributing factors such as: union status, type of project they are working on and supplemental work such as: teaching, directing, writing or any other kind of work and their level of experience or their education. It is worth mentioning that some actors may make exceedingly more money due to their expertise and negotiating skills based on past experiences.
Should I Join a Union?
For many the most plausible option to increase their salary is to join a Union. Unions help to negotiate industry rates, provide actors with benefits such as health insurance, legal representation and pension plans. In Canada actors can be represented by unions such as the Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA), Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), the Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP) or the Alliance of Canadian Cinema. Oftentimes actors in unions make more than actors that do not belong to a union.
The minimum wage for non-union actors in Canada varies by province and territory. In general, the Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA) sets the minimum wage for unionized actors, while non-union actors are not legally bound to a minimum wage. However, some production companies and casting directors may use the CAEA minimum wage as a guide for non-union actors which is currently $15.50 per hour. It would definitely be in your best interest to check with the relevant government agency or industry association in the specific province or territory where you would plan to work as a non-union actor.
Union actors earn higher wages, with a guaranteed minimum wage of $69.69 per hour for union actors in feature films or television productions according to UBCP and even more based on your role and skill set. ACTRA also has similar minimum rates for their members, for example, for a television series members can expect to make around $557.55 for a day of work while principal actors can look to make $828.43.
CAEA negotiates rates for their members in the theater industry, for example, a union actor in a stage production can expect to earn around $1,126 per week with additional compensation for rehearsals and additional performances. These of course are minimum rates and may vary depending on the project, location, and agreement made with the producers.
Various Types of Jobs for Actors
When it comes to salary it is important for actors to be flexible with potential gigs and to explore the various types of potential projects they may work on. Building a strong network in the industry and having a good reputation may also help you secure jobs and earn more. Some types of potential work for actors include:
- Acting in films, television shows, and theater: This is the traditional type of employment for actors and can range anywhere from low independent projects to high budget box office projects.
- Commercials and voice-over work: Actors can also earn money by doing voice-over work for commercials, video games, and animated productions. This can be a great way to earn additional income and gain exposure.
- Teaching and Coaching: Many actors also make money by teaching or coaching others. They could teach others online or at a drama school, with workshops on acting, help with auditioning, or teach any other related acting programs.
- Writing and producing: Actors can also use their creativity and skills to write and produce their own material, such as plays, films, or web series.
- Modeling: Many actors who are attractive and have a great look can also make money by working as models for photographers, designers, and companies.
- Brand Ambassador: Actors can also make money by becoming brand ambassadors for various products, companies or services.
- Social Media Influencer: Actors can also make money by growing their social media presence and monetizing their content.
- Personal Appearances: Actors can also make money by making personal appearances at events such as conventions, meet-and-greets, or other promotional events.
- Crowdfunding: Actors can also make money by using crowdfunding platforms to raise money for their own projects or to support other productions.
- Residual income: There is a possibility for actors to earn residual income where actors earn from the continued or re-use of their work. This form of payment may come from royalties from TV reruns, streaming services, DVD sales or merchandising through toys, clothing or any other item featuring the actors likeness, image or brand.
How Does Level of Experience Reflect Salary?
The level of experience can have a significant effect on an actor's income. Starting actors may earn very little or nothing at all for their work, often working on projects for classes, or personal projects with friends. It can be hard to become established in the industry and to get your name out there, many actors are often looking for their big break. Some actors do however work long and hard enough to establish themselves and can command much higher salaries. As an actor gains experience and builds a reputation, they may become more sought after for high paying roles and can negotiate for higher pay.
Well-known actors may also earn money from other activities like endorsement, brand collaborations, public speaking, meet and greets or other events which add a significant amount of money to their income.
Overall there may be fame and fortune for some but that shouldn’t be your main focus when acting.
Don't Stress About Salary
Being an actor can be a tough task at hand. Often it can be difficult to find steady work as the industry is highly competitive. With only limited roles available there can often be strenuous audition processes to gain a spot in a cast. Many actors may have other income sources to support themselves in order to pursue their acting efforts.
In order to become a successful actor it is clear that you must be dedicated. A lot of effort is required from you; emotionally, physically. Performing at a high level can also lead to a lot of stress and be large time consuming to get the right take. The acting lifestyle can be very demanding and isn’t for everyone, some actors are constantly working and may have to travel often being away from friends and family. However, for many acting is a true expression of self and a passionate and worthy endeavor. It can truly be a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those who are passionate about it.
Acting Lessons Near You to Increase Salary
If you are interested in fine tuning your acting skills and making more money it may be advantageous to pursue an acting tutor with Superprof. At Superprof we connect students with private tutors starting at as low as $15 per hour. Tutors are categorized by price, rating, and availability, and students can message them directly to schedule classes. They offer a wide range of options with over 22 million tutors available in 42 countries, both in-person and online acting classes via webcam are available. You really can’t go wrong because the first class is absolutely free!
Summary
In order to become a successful actor and make a sustainable life for yourself while acting it is important that you are dedicated and resourceful, try to be business savvy and build a network around yourself to continue to learn and grow in the industry. As far as Income for Canadian actors it varies widely depending on factors such as union status, type of project, and level of experience. Unions such as the Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA), Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), the Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP) or the Alliance of Canadian Cinema help to negotiate industry rates.
The minimum wage for non-union actors in Canada is $11/hour for feature films or television production according to UBCP. Union actors earn higher wages, with a minimum wage of $69/hour for union actors in feature films or television productions.
Actors can also earn money by doing commercial and voice-over work, teaching and coaching, writing and producing, modeling, brand ambassador, social media influencer, personal appearances and crowdfunding. Actors can also make money by building a strong network in the industry and having a good reputation, which may help them secure jobs and earn more.
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