Actors, entertainers, presenters, and perfomance artists sing, portray roles in dramatic productions, perform comedy routines, gymnastic feats and tricks of illusion, train animals to perform and perform with them, and introduce and present radio and television programmes.
Also calledTV presenterTelevision presenterTV broadcasterActorDJDisc jockeyand 72 more titles
New adverts a month324↓ 1.1%on last year · 310th of 412
Pay
ONS · ASHE 2025
!More than half (77%) of actors, entertainers and presenters work for themselves. These pay figures only cover employees, so they may not reflect what self-employed actors, entertainers and presenters earn.
Typical pay by regionUK median —
Typical full-time pay for actors, entertainers and presenters by region
North EastNot published by ONS–
North WestNot published by ONS–
Yorkshire and The HumberNot published by ONS–
East MidlandsNot published by ONS–
West MidlandsNot published by ONS–
East of EnglandNot published by ONS–
LondonNot published by ONS–
South EastNot published by ONS–
South WestNot published by ONS–
ScotlandNot published by ONS–
WalesNot published by ONS–
Show as table
UK median, —
North East
Not published by ONS
North West
Not published by ONS
Yorkshire and The Humber
Not published by ONS
East Midlands
Not published by ONS
West Midlands
Not published by ONS
East of England
Not published by ONS
London
Not published by ONS
South East
Not published by ONS
South West
Not published by ONS
Scotland
Not published by ONS
Wales
Not published by ONS
Jobs and demand
ONS · Textkernel adverts · DfE
About 324 jobs for actors, entertainers and presenters are advertised each month. The Department for Education rates demand for workers as not high.
New job adverts a month, Jan 2017 to Aug 2026
New online job adverts for actors, entertainers and presenters each month
01,0002,0003,000
20172019202120232025
New advertsMonth not published by ONS (1 in all)Show as table
Aug 2026
278
Jul 2026
362
Jun 2026
341
May 2026
368
Apr 2026
245
Mar 2026
Not published
Feb 2026
255
Jan 2026
264
Dec 2025
161
Nov 2025
389
Oct 2025
405
Sept 2025
500
Aug 2025
298
Jul 2025
315
Jun 2025
422
May 2025
436
Apr 2025
321
Mar 2025
365
Feb 2025
305
Jan 2025
263
Dec 2024
183
Nov 2024
295
Oct 2024
355
Sept 2024
415
Aug 2024
382
Jul 2024
377
Jun 2024
341
May 2024
402
Apr 2024
400
Mar 2024
319
Feb 2024
370
Jan 2024
384
Dec 2023
331
Nov 2023
312
Oct 2023
428
Sept 2023
334
Aug 2023
414
Jul 2023
327
Jun 2023
561
May 2023
511
Apr 2023
422
Mar 2023
507
Feb 2023
483
Jan 2023
501
Dec 2022
458
Nov 2022
498
Oct 2022
596
Sept 2022
543
Aug 2022
636
Jul 2022
592
Jun 2022
492
May 2022
678
Apr 2022
455
Mar 2022
561
Feb 2022
491
Jan 2022
653
Dec 2021
538
Nov 2021
581
Oct 2021
628
Sept 2021
613
Aug 2021
395
Jul 2021
436
Jun 2021
445
May 2021
533
Apr 2021
427
Mar 2021
511
Feb 2021
224
Jan 2021
242
Dec 2020
283
Nov 2020
254
Oct 2020
370
Sept 2020
396
Aug 2020
300
Jul 2020
243
Jun 2020
278
May 2020
324
Apr 2020
332
Mar 2020
381
Feb 2020
480
Jan 2020
372
Dec 2019
283
Nov 2019
512
Oct 2019
310
Sept 2019
393
Aug 2019
398
Jul 2019
387
Jun 2019
451
May 2019
408
Apr 2019
258
Mar 2019
366
Feb 2019
398
Jan 2019
2,327
Dec 2018
276
Nov 2018
2,262
Oct 2018
355
Sept 2018
295
Aug 2018
228
Jul 2018
253
Jun 2018
281
May 2018
315
Apr 2018
356
Mar 2018
415
Feb 2018
523
Jan 2018
394
Dec 2017
241
Nov 2017
294
Oct 2017
329
Sept 2017
307
Aug 2017
351
Jul 2017
234
Jun 2017
273
May 2017
273
Apr 2017
283
Mar 2017
274
Feb 2017
276
Jan 2017
220
Is there a shortage of actors, entertainers and presenters?
Not high
The Department for Education rates demand as not high, elevated or critical, using five indicators. This is its 2025 assessment.
Visas grantedAbove usual
Online job advertsUsual
Wage growthAbove usual
Pay against similar jobsUsual
Hours workedUsual
Note: uncertainty in hours and earnings due to proportion of self employed workers.
Vacancies hard to fill because of skills
20%against 27% for all jobs
This groupAll jobs
Broader groupFigure for culture, media and sports occupations, which includes actors, entertainers and presenters. DfE Employer Skills Survey 2024.
Where the most jobs are advertisedadverts a quarter
Local areas with the most adverts for actors, entertainers and presenters
Recruitment from abroad. 2,102 sponsored work visas were granted for this job from July 2025 to June 2026, most to people from India, China, Nigeria, ranking it 8th of 313. Home Office
Who does it
ONS · Annual Population Survey · April 2025 to March 2026
22%aged 55 or over
56%hold a degree
77%self-employed
49%women
Age of actors, entertainers and presenters
Age profile of actors, entertainers and presenters
14%!
25%!
14%!
24%!
9.2%!
13%!
16–2425–3435–4445–5455–6465+
!Small sample: treat with cautionShow as table
16–24
14% (small sample)
25–34
25% (small sample)
35–44
14% (small sample)
45–54
24% (small sample)
55–64
9.2% (small sample)
65+
13% (small sample)
Highest qualification
Highest qualification held by actors, entertainers and presenters
Degree or equivalent56%
Higher education below degree!5.8%
A levels or equivalent20%
GCSEs or equivalent!10%
Other qualifications!2.6%
No qualifications!4%
!Small sample: treat with cautionShow as table
Degree or equivalent
56%
Higher education below degree
5.8% (small sample)
A levels or equivalent
20%
GCSEs or equivalent
10% (small sample)
Other qualifications
2.6% (small sample)
No qualifications
4% (small sample)
Main employers: other amusement and recreation activities (29%), performing arts (16%), motion picture, video and television programme production activities (8.6%), support activities to performing arts (6%).
How to get in
Hold a degree
56%
as their highest qualification
Apprenticeships
None
none leads directly into this work
Self-employed
77%
of people in the job
Routes in
TV presenter
You can get into this job through:
University
You could do a degree that will teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed to become a TV presenter.
Relevant subjects include:
media production
drama or performing arts
journalism or broadcast journalism
media or communication studies
Other degree subjects can also be useful. For example, in some presenting roles you may need specialist subject knowledge like:
science
history
economics
politics
You can search for courses that are approved by ScreenSkills.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could do an apprenticeship in broadcasting or journalism like:
Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Junior Journalist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Journalist Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship
With experience and further training, you may be able to move into TV presenting.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Other ways in
Work your way up
Presenters often move into TV from other media jobs like journalism and research, or from presenting on radio or online.
You may be able to start as a production runner or researcher with a media organisation and work your way up with experience and training.
Volunteering
You could get presenting experience through:
community media
hospital radio
commercial radio
student radio
Look out for:
work experience placements
insight and talent days
internship schemes
These may help you get into the industry.
You can search for opportunities with broadcasters like:
the BBC
ITV
Channel 4
Other routes
If you have detailed knowledge of a subject, such as sport, gardening, food or science, you might find work as an expert contributor, presenting or co-presenting programmes with an experienced professional.
Registration and professional bodies
Career tips
Some broadcasters hold competitions to find new presenters.
You'll usually need a showreel, with clips of yourself on camera, to give to broadcasters, producers or media recruitment agencies.
You will need to audition and take a screen test.
Competition is strong, so you'll need determination, persistence and the ability to promote yourself.
Jobs are not always advertised, so you need to make industry contacts to find out who is hiring.
Further information
You'll find more details about working in TV and the media through:
ScreenSkills
Broadcast Journalism Training Council
Media City
Routes in are from the National Careers Service job profile for tv presenter. Contains public sector information from the National Careers Service licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Actor
You can get into this job through:
University
You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate diploma in a subject such as:
drama
performance studies
contemporary theatre and performance
acting
musical theatre
You could join your university drama or theatre society to develop a network of contacts and get performance experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
to pass an audition
at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
There is no set entry route to become an actor but it may be useful to do a course like:
performing arts
drama and theatre
speech and drama
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Other routes
You can study with a private drama school or conservatoire. You can choose from full-time courses, short courses and summer schools.
You'll need to pass an audition to get into a drama school. You may also need A levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts. This is not always essential if you can show enough talent and commitment.
You could also take graded exams in acting, musical theatre and performance art at:
Trinity College London
University of West London
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
More about this route+
Funding
You may be able to apply for a Dance and Drama Award to help with fees and living costs at a private drama school.
Other ways in
Volunteering
Acting is very competitive and you'll need to develop your skills by getting as much acting experience as possible.
You might get experience by joining:
amateur, community or youth theatre groups
college and university drama societies
student drama festivals and competitions
an agency to get work as an 'extra' for films and TV shows
Societies and theatre groups also help you meet other people in the acting profession. It can be useful to have contacts when looking for work.
Apply directly
You may be able to find work by applying directly for auditions and roles if you have a lot of experience and exceptional acting talent.
Registration and professional bodies
Career tips
You'll need to get as much experience of acting as you can. You can give showreels and headshot photos to agents and casting directors.
You may need to do another job while you search for acting roles or when you're between acting jobs.
Agents
As an actor you're likely to work freelance through an agent who will put you forward for auditions and castings.
Agents usually charge commission, this might be based on a percentage of what you earn. Equity offer advice on how to work with agents and what your rights are.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join Equity who are a professional body for actors. They can help you find jobs, training opportunities and contacts.
You'll need to have earned money from an acting job or be a student or graduate to join Equity.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in theatre, film and the creative sector from:
Get Into Theatre
Into Film
Routes in are from the National Careers Service job profile for actor. Contains public sector information from the National Careers Service licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
DJ
You can get into this job through:
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills needed to work with sampling equipment, mixers, digital controllers and record decks.
Courses include:
music technology and production
radio production
creative and digital media
Colleges and community education centres also often run short workshops in DJ-ing techniques and recording skills.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Volunteering
Getting experience will help you to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry.
You could:
work on student, community or hospital radio stations
volunteer to DJ at events like parties, weddings and charity shows
work as a DJ on an internet radio station
find work as a roadie for an experienced DJ
post mixes to online video and music streaming sites to get noticed
You can also find work experience placements through BBC Taster Days, or by contacting broadcasters to ask about opportunities. The Radiocentre can help you find commercial radio stations.
Other ways in
Apply directly
You can apply directly for work as a DJ by contacting bars, clubs and radio stations. You'll need to showcase your mixing and presenting skills, for example through your own online music channel or by posting mixes to music streaming sites.
Other routes
You can take training courses or attend DJ workshops, which are offered by private music training providers that specialise in DJ skills, music technology and sound recording.
Registration and professional bodies
Career tips
You can find lots of online tutorials on how to set up as a music DJ, how to use equipment like digital controllers, and on mixing and remixing techniques for different music genres.
Do your research and make sure that you target your demo mixes to match a venue's music policy, audience or type of music on a radio station's playlist.
Further information
You can get more advice about working as a DJ from:
Community Media Association
Hospital Broadcasting Association
Radio Academy
Routes in are from the National Careers Service job profile for dj. Contains public sector information from the National Careers Service licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Fashion model
You can get into this job through:
Volunteering
You could develop your skills as a model by helping out with charity fashion shows.
Apply directly
You'll usually start your career by going to a model agency in person or sending photographs to them.
Each agency looks for different things in their models so you should check their website to see if you'd be a good fit.
Registration and professional bodies
Career tips
There's a lot of competition for modelling jobs. You don't need to do a modelling course or have an expensive portfolio of pictures. Also, model agencies are not allowed to charge an up-front fee for you to join them.
Reputable model agencies and Equity have advice on what to expect when starting out.
Many brands use influencers as models so you could consider setting up a social media presence as an influencer, and building your followers as a route into the industry.
Routes in are from the National Careers Service job profile for fashion model. Contains public sector information from the National Careers Service licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Social media influencer
You can get into this job through:
College
You can do a college course to get practical skills in using editing equipment and software.
Courses include:
video editing and production for creative media industries
creative digital media
digital content production
T Level in Marketing
A course that includes work experience will give you the chance to make contacts in the industry.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could learn useful skills for this role by applying to do a Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Other ways in
Volunteering
It's important that you get as much practical experience as you can.
You could:
volunteer to create and edit video content for charities
do a work placement in a digital marketing agency
edit student or community film productions
work on content for an employer's social media channels
Do IT has more information on volunteering opportunities in your area.
Other routes
You could develop your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources that show you how to create clips, podcasts and reels, as well as editing sound and adding effects.
You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools and private training providers.
Registration and professional bodies
Career tips
You can get advice and tips online from other influencers.
Many people start as a hobby alongside doing other paid work. This gives you the chance to get subscribers or followers while you improve your skills.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Data and Marketing Association or the Influencer Marketing Trade Body for training opportunities, industry advice and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find some useful resources to help you develop the film making skills you'll need from Screenskills.
Routes in are from the National Careers Service job profile for social media influencer. Contains public sector information from the National Careers Service licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The work
ONS · ESCO · O*NET
Typical tasks
studies script; play or book and prepares and rehearses interpretation
assumes character created by a playwright or author and communicates this to an audience
performs singing, comedy, acrobatic, illusion and conjuring routines
trains animals to perform entertaining routines and may perform with them
introduces and presents radio and television programmes, reads news bulletins and makes announcements
conducts interviews and prepares reports for news broadcasts, current affairs programmes and documentaries
plays pre-recorded music at nightclubs, discotheques, and private functions
Skills
confer on artwork
contextualise artistic work
develop educational activities
develop educational resources
participate in artistic mediation activities
develop artistic project budgets
keep personal administration
present exhibition
adapt artistic plan to location
define artistic approach
gather reference materials for artwork
assess conservation needs
create digital images
manage artistic project
Knowledge
art history
intellectual property law
labour legislation
acting and directing techniques
Suits people who like
Creating and designing
Leading and persuading
Outlook
DfE · Skills Imperative 2035
Broader groupThese projections are for culture, media and sports occupations, a group of 13 jobs that includes actors, entertainers and presenters.
Change in jobs, 2020 to 2035↑ 10%about 79,000 more jobs
Workers needed by 2035442,000including people replacing those who retire or leave
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Occupations in demand and the Employer Skills Survey: Department for Education and Skills England. Immigration system statistics: Home Office. Contains public sector information from the National Careers Service licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission.
This service includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This service has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. CC BY 4.0 licence.
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