Actor salary in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Actors in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area earn a median of $19.13 an hour, based on BLS data for 250 workers.
Pay ranges from $14.92 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40.66 for the top 10%. That is 34% lower than the national median of $29.05. There are 0.23 actors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65).
Pay range for actors in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
| Pay level | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $14.92 |
| 25th percentile | $17.97 |
| Median | $19.13 |
| 75th percentile | $24.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40.66 |
| Average (mean) | $23.61 |
Half of actors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
BLS publishes only hourly pay for this job, because actors often work irregular hours or short engagements, so a yearly figure would be misleading. At $19.13 an hour, every 40-hour week pays $765.20.
Actor salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median hourly | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $20.00 | 610 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $16.18 | 90 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $13.31 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for actors
| State | Median hourly |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $36.98 |
| Oregon | $29.81 |
| New York | $28.44 |
| Connecticut | $27.91 |
| Texas | $25.86 |
| Alabama | $24.71 |
| New Jersey | $24.29 |
| Mississippi | $23.71 |
| Pennsylvania | $22.15 |
| Tennessee | $21.82 |
Related jobs in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,410 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $61,220 | $29.43 |
| Dancer | — | $24.46 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $41.56 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $81,770 | $39.31 |
| Choreographer | $44,840 | $21.56 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,450 | $31.95 |
| Graphic Designer | $60,520 | $29.10 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,490 | $17.54 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,340 | $28.05 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,040 | $42.33 |
| Interior Designer | $66,150 | $31.81 |
| Broadcast Technician | $46,290 | $22.26 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a actor make in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
The median hourly wage for actors in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area is $19.13 an hour. Pay ranges from $14.92 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40.66 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid actors make in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
The top 10% of actors in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area earn at least $40.66 an hour. The top 25% earn $24.70 or more.
What is the starting pay for actors in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $14.92 an hour, and a quarter of actors earn $17.97 or less.
How many actors work in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN?
About 250 actors are employed in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area, not counting the self-employed.