Find a Job You Really Want In
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the demand for talented actors remains strong across the United States. While traditional hubs like California maintain their allure, numerous states now offer thriving opportunities for actors, reflecting a more diverse landscape in the profession.
At Zippia, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other labor market sources to identify the best states for actors in 2026. Our goal was to find locations with abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries, ensuring actors can thrive throughout their careers.
After thorough analysis, here are the top ten states that provide the best environment for actors:
Louisiana stands out as the top state for actors, offering a dynamic environment and ample opportunities. Curious about how this ranking was determined? Read on for insights into our research methodology and detailed information about the best states for actors.
How We Determined the Best States to Be an Actor
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse array of job seekers, including many in the acting profession. Our findings highlight two primary factors that aspiring actors prioritize in their job searches:
- Job availability
- Compensation
To uncover the best states for actors, we examined where the most job opportunities exist and how competitive the pay is. Our criteria derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics include:
- Location quotient, indicating job prevalence in each state
- Average annual salary
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals
We adjusted salary data for cost of living variations across states, allowing for a clearer comparison. This means that while salaries may differ between states like California and Oregon, the purchasing power of those salaries can vary significantly.
Each state was ranked on these criteria from 1 to 50, with the lowest overall Job Score designating the best state for actors in the U.S.
Now, let’s dive into what makes each of these states particularly favorable for actors.
1. Louisiana
Total Jobs: 2,570
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 3.61
2. California
Total Jobs: 17,090
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 3.01
3. Utah
Total Jobs: 720
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 1.49
4. Georgia
Total Jobs: 2,030
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 1.35
5. Missouri
Total Jobs: 1,110
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 1.12
6. Maryland
Total Jobs: 940
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 0.98
7. Illinois
Total Jobs: 2,090
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 0.97
8. Connecticut
Total Jobs: 580
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 0.95
9. Massachusetts
Total Jobs: 920
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 0.74
10. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 700
Average Annual Salary: $0
Average Entry Level Salary: $0
Average Experienced Salary: $0
Location Quotient: 0.68
There You Have It
For aspiring actors aiming to launch their careers, these states offer the best opportunities in terms of job availability, competitive pay, and advancement potential. If you’re interested in exploring the less favorable states for actors, consider the following:
Detailed List of the Best States for Actors
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | $0 |
| 2 | California | $0 |
| 3 | Utah | $0 |
| 4 | Georgia | $0 |
| 5 | Missouri | $0 |
| 6 | Maryland | $0 |
| 7 | Illinois | $0 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $0 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $0 |
| 10 | Tennessee | $0 |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | $0 |
| 12 | Nevada | $0 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $0 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $0 |
| 15 | Florida | $0 |
| 16 | Virginia | $0 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $0 |
| 18 | Indiana | $0 |
| 19 | Washington | $0 |
| 20 | Ohio | $0 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $0 |
| 22 | Texas | $0 |
| 23 | Colorado | $0 |
| 24 | Iowa | $0 |
| 25 | Michigan | $0 |
| 26 | Idaho | $0 |
| 27 | North Carolina | $0 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
