Entertainment and Sports Occupations

Employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations, adding about 46,000 new jobs. Employment will increase from about 781,700 jobs in 2014 to about 827,700 jobs in 2024. Strong demand from the public for more movies and television shows as well as increasing popularity and participation of sports will contribute to job growth for the entertainment and sports occupations.

The median annual wage for entertainment and sports occupations was $40,870 in May 2016, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,040.

  OCCUPATION JOB SUMMARY ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2016 MEDIAN PAY Help
Actors

Actors

Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

 Some college, no degree The annual wage is not available.
Athletes and sports competitors

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sporting events to entertain spectators.

 No formal educational credential $47,710
Coaches and scouts

Coaches and Scouts

Coaches teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. Scouts look for new players and evaluate their skills and likelihood for success at the college, amateur, or professional level. Many coaches are also involved in scouting.

 Bachelor's degree $31,460
Dancers and choreographers

Dancers and Choreographers

Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories. There are many types of dance, such as ballet, tango, modern dance, tap, and jazz.

 See How to Become One The annual wage is not available.
Music directors and composers

Music Directors and Composers

Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

 Bachelor's degree $50,110
Musicians and singers

Musicians and Singers

Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.

 No formal educational credential The annual wage is not available.
Producers and directors

Producers and Directors

Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

 Bachelor's degree $70,950
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the game.

 High school diploma or equivalent $25,660

Publish Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015