How Much Do Actors Earn in the UK? A Guide to UK Actor Salaries
Acting is a rewarding career, but it comes with financial uncertainty. Whether you're an aspiring performer or simply curious about the profession, understanding how much actors earn in the UK is essential. Salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, type of work, and whether an actor is in the West End, regional theatre, television, or film.
In this guide, we’ll explore UK actor salaries, covering equity pay rates, West End earnings, TV and film salaries, and factors affecting income.
Average Actor Salary in the UK
The earnings of actors in the UK differ significantly based on their level of success and the type of work they do. According to various industry reports:
The average annual salary for actors in the UK is between £15,000 and £25,000.
Many actors supplement their income with side jobs due to inconsistent work.
High-profile stage and screen actors can earn significantly more.
However, most actors do not have a fixed income, and earnings fluctuate depending on roles booked throughout the year.
West End Actor Salaries
The West End is home to some of the UK’s most prestigious theatre productions, and salaries here reflect the industry standard.
Minimum weekly salary for performers in West End productions (as set by Equity, the UK actors' union) is around £700–£800 per week.
Lead roles and well-known actors can negotiate higher fees, sometimes exceeding £3,000 per week.
Musical theatre performers may earn more due to additional skills required (singing, dancing).
Actors in long-running shows may receive contract bonuses and additional payments for understudy performances.
Regional Theatre & Fringe Theatre Pay
Outside the West End, theatre salaries are often lower:
Regional theatre actors (performing in touring or local productions) typically earn between £400 and £700 per week, depending on the venue and production.
Fringe theatre and independent productions often pay less, sometimes only covering expenses.
Some actors work in regional productions to gain experience before moving on to higher-paid West End or TV/film roles.
TV Actor Salaries in the UK
Television acting can be more lucrative than theatre, with fees varying by experience and production:
Soap opera actors (such as in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale) earn between £400 and £2,000 per episode, depending on their role and contract.
Drama series actors may earn between £2,000 and £10,000 per episode, with leads in major productions earning significantly more.
Guest roles and extras are paid on a daily or weekly rate, with extras earning around £90 to £150 per day.
For high-profile shows on Netflix, BBC, ITV, or Channel 4, salaries for lead actors can exceed £100,000 per series.
Film Actor Salaries
Film salaries in the UK can range from modest to multi-million-pound contracts, depending on the scale of the production:
Independent films pay actors between £100 and £1,000 per day, depending on budget.
Hollywood blockbusters filmed in the UK (e.g., Harry Potter, James Bond) can pay lead actors millions, while supporting cast earn anywhere from £5,000 to £50,000 per role.
Voice-over and motion capture actors (such as in animated films or video games) may earn £200 to £1,000 per session.
Many UK actors supplement their income with commercials and endorsements, which can be highly lucrative.
Equity Pay Rates for UK Actors
| Type of Work | Minimum Pay (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| West End Theatre | £700–£800 per week |
| Regional Theatre | £400–£700 per week |
| TV Drama (BBC/ITV) | £1,500–£3,000 per episode |
| TV Soap Opera | £400–£2,000 per episode |
| Film (Independent) | £100–£1,000 per day |
| Film (Hollywood/Bigger Productions) | £5,000+ per role |
| Commercials | £1,000+ per shoot |
| Voice Acting | £200–£1,000 per session |
Factors Affecting an Actor’s Salary
Several factors impact how much actors earn in the UK:
Experience & Reputation – Established actors command higher fees.
Union Membership (Equity) – Provides standardised pay and protections.
Production Budget – Big productions pay more than indie projects.
Location – West End and London-based productions pay more than regional theatres.
Type of Work – TV and film generally pay more than theatre.
Additional Skills – Singing, dancing, and stunt work can increase earnings.
Many actors also earn money through teaching, workshops, corporate gigs, or voice-over work.
Actor salaries in the UK vary significantly, with West End, TV, and film actors earning the highest amounts. While most actors earn a modest wage, top performers in theatre, TV, and film can secure lucrative contracts.
