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Acting Extra Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Condé Nast

Acting digital features editor

Adelphi, MD · Hybrid

Conde Nast Traveller is seeking a creative and culturally attuned acting digital features editor to ... What benefits do we offer? * 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) and extra days of annual leave if ...

Herschend

Adventureland Park - Scare Actor

Altoona, IA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Ideal candidates have an enthusiasm for acting and creativity and are willing to transform into a ... It's about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing ...

Hfecorp

Adventureland Park - Scare Actor

Altoona, IA

$16 - $21/hr

Ideal candidates have an enthusiasm for acting and creativity and are willing to transform into a ... It'sabout being independent and having fun, making newfriendsand earning extra money while doing so.

Seaworldentertainment

Seasonal Scare Actor

Busch, AR

$15/hr

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for ... Work 5 productive hours after 6pm on event nights and earn an extra $1 on the hour! What you get to ...

SeaWorld

Seasonal Scare Actor

Busch, AR · On-site

$15/hr

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for ... Work 5 productive hours after 6pm on event nights and earn an extra $1 on the hour! What you get to ...

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Acting Extra information

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$33.5K

$69.5K

$104K

How much do acting extra jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for acting extra in the United States is $69,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acting extra?

Acting extras, also known as background actors, are performers who appear in non-speaking roles in films, TV shows, or commercials to help create realistic scenes. They usually blend into the background, portraying everyday people such as pedestrians, customers, or crowd members. While extras don’t have lines or significant roles, their presence is crucial in making a production feel authentic and lively. Extras are typically hired for specific days and don’t require formal acting training, but reliability and the ability to follow directions are important.

What should I expect from a typical day on set as an acting extra?

As an acting extra, your day on set can be quite varied, but typically involves arriving early, checking in with the production team, and waiting for your scenes to be called. Extras often spend significant time in holding areas, so patience is key. Once on set, you'll be given specific instructions for your role in the background, and may need to repeat the same actions across several takes. Collaboration is mainly with other extras, background coordinators, and assistant directors, and maintaining professionalism and attentiveness is essential for a smooth experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acting extra, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acting Extra, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to follow directions are essential, with no formal education typically required. Familiarity with set protocols and basic on-camera etiquette is helpful, though formal certifications are rare and not usually necessary. Professionalism, patience, and strong listening skills help extras stand out, as they often work long hours in changing environments. These qualities ensure smooth production workflows, support the main cast, and contribute to the overall success of film or television projects.

What is the difference between Acting Extra vs Background Actor?

AspectActing ExtraBackground Actor
CredentialsNo formal credentials typically requiredNo formal credentials typically required
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, commercials, live eventsFilm, TV, commercials, live events
Employer & Industry UsageProduction companies, casting agenciesProduction companies, casting agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched interchangeably with background actorOften searched interchangeably with acting extra

Acting extras and background actors are terms often used interchangeably in the entertainment industry. Both roles involve appearing in scenes without speaking lines and require no formal acting credentials. The main difference is that "acting extra" is a broader term sometimes used in marketing or casting, while "background actor" is more commonly used in casting calls and industry terminology. Both roles provide opportunities to work on film and TV productions in similar environments.

How much do acting extras make?

Acting extras typically earn between $100 and $200 per day, depending on the location, production budget, and experience. Some extras may receive additional pay for overtime or specific roles, and unionized extras can earn higher rates. Payment is often processed through payroll companies or production companies, and no special certification is usually required.

How to be an acting extra?

To become an acting extra, you should register with casting agencies or online casting platforms, submit recent photos and a resume, and be available for flexible schedules. It helps to have a clean appearance, follow casting instructions carefully, and be prepared for on-location shoots that can last several hours.

How to get a job as an acting extra?

To become an acting extra, you should register with casting agencies or online casting platforms, submit recent photos and a resume, and be prepared for flexible scheduling. Building a basic understanding of set etiquette and having a versatile appearance can improve your chances of getting hired for various productions.
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What states have the most Acting Extra jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Acting Extra jobs look for?

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Acting Extra jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acting Extra job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 26% Full Time, 68% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,538 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Part Time Professor, Acting

Savannah College of Art and Design

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Savannah College of Art and Design rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

576th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Part Time Professor, Acting

Apply now Job no: 502503
Work type: Faculty Part Time
Location: Atlanta
Categories: Performing Arts

SCAD seeks a dynamic and experienced educator and practitioner to join our faculty. This person should be passionate about preparing the next generation of performers for success across stage, screen, and emerging media.

Join SCAD's globally recognized School of Film and Acting and contribute to a program that combines rigorous training with industry level experience, preparing students to thrive in competitive creative industries.

As a SCAD professor, you will be required to meet expectations of planning and preparing for teaching, as well as maintaining an active and engaged classroom environment. You will be responsible for syllabus design, submission, and approval; holding office hours and midterm grade reviews; providing extra-help sessions, extended-learning opportunities, and field trips; and conducting course and program-level assessments. A professor provides feedback to students to aid in their academic growth. SCAD prepares talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning.

The position entails modeling professionalism, fulfilling grading and academic documentation requirements, recording attendance, following academic policies and regulations, and supporting academic assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts. Other responsibilities include attending on-ground and virtual events such as faculty meetings and admission events, curriculum assessment and development, institutional effectiveness and accreditation support, and any other events, exhibitions, or publicity assignments. Additional duties may be assigned.

A professor teaches courses, as determined by contact hours, and in accordance with their credentials, university needs, and a signed employment agreement. The university, in its sole discretion, may assign the professor to a teaching or non-teaching position as stipulated in the employment agreement.

Minimum Qualifications:

MFA in Acting or a closely related discipline

Academic and professional credentials to teach

Three years of work experience in a related profession or post-secondary teaching experience

Required application documents:

Current resume and/or CV

Cover letter

Portfolio or its equivalent

Unofficial academic transcripts

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Special instructions to applicants: Only complete packages will be considered. An unofficial transcript of your highest degree awarded, a cover letter, and a resume or CV are required.

Work Hours:As noted in the employment agreement.

ADA Tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.

Special instructions to applicants: Only complete packages will be considered. An unofficial transcript of your highest degree awarded, a cover letter, and a resume or CV are required. 

Advertised: 31 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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