Agent vs. Manager

Agents are licensed and work on commission (typically no more than 10 percent of any earnings made). They specialize in entertainment niches and usually have a roster of clients.

A manager is not a regulated profession and can be done by family members or friends. They are trusted to manage the client's business including the day-to-day aspects of their careers, hiring and managing staff, and handling public relations and media exposure.

In some cases, they may be trusted to manage income, investments, and the monetary flow of their clients and their businesses.

There are many differences between an agent and a manager including regulations and scope of work.

Here are the key differences between an agent and a manager:

• An agent usually is paid by commission and has multiple clients at one time

• A manager usually only has one client and they are paid a salary

• An agent is legally permitted to negotiate contracts

• A manager can give business advice, but cannot negotiate contracts

• An agent is subject to regulations under labor unions

• A manager is not a regulated position, and requires no special licensing or certification