How long does it take to become an actor?

Typically a year or so of college, then more than a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

Do you need a degree to become an actor?

Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.

Where can you train to become an actor?

910 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become an actor

Arts, design, media & film · SOC 27-2011

NoneUS median pay, 2025

0%Projected growth, 2025–35

6,300Openings per year

CertificateUsual way in

How you get in

A certificate or short program is the usual way in.

Some college, no degree
Long-term on-the-job training
Work as an actor

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General	CIP 50.0501	829
Musical Theatre	CIP 50.0509	109
Acting	CIP 50.0506	107
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other	CIP 50.0599	51
Directing and Theatrical Production	CIP 50.0507	39
Theatre and Dance	CIP 50.0512	11
Comedy Writing and Performance	CIP 50.0511	2

See the 910 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become an actor?: Typically a year or so of college, then more than a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
Do you need a degree to become an actor?: Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.
Where can you train to become an actor?: 910 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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