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Background Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Tampa

Part-time Patient Actor (MUTA)

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

... seasonal patient actors who will portray patients in the simulation lab in order to provide ... Background Check Requirements Finalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check.

Draper

Cyber Threat Investigator 2

Reston, VA

$82K - $220K/yr

Within OTM's CI and InT responsibilities, collaborate with InfoSec's analysts and across Security functions to identify vulnerabilities exploited by insiders or external actors. * Provide technical ...

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How much do background actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for background actor in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Background Actor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Actor, you need reliability, the ability to follow directions closely, and professionalism on set, with no formal education or prior experience typically required. Familiarity with standard filming protocols and occasionally the use of basic wardrobe or props may be needed, but specific technical tools or certifications are uncommon. Punctuality, patience, adaptability, and comfort working in a team are valued soft skills that help you stand out in this position. These qualities are essential for ensuring a smooth production process and making positive contributions to the on-set environment.

What is a Background Actor job?

A Background Actor, also known as an extra, is a performer who appears in non-speaking roles in film, television, and commercial productions. Their job is to add realism to scenes by portraying everyday people in the background, such as pedestrians, diners, or office workers. Background Actors help create a believable environment but do not have lines or interact directly with main characters. While the role requires reliability and patience, it can be a valuable way to gain on-set experience and network in the entertainment industry.

What does a typical day look like for a Background Actor on set?

A typical day for a Background Actor usually begins early with check-in, followed by time in the wardrobe or makeup department to prepare for the shoot. You will spend much of the day waiting between takes, and when called to set, you’ll follow precise instructions to perform natural movements or actions in the background of scenes. Flexibility is key, as filming schedules can change frequently and scenes may require repeating actions multiple times. Working alongside a large crew and other background actors, you’re expected to remain professional and attentive throughout the day, helping create a realistic and engaging setting for the main action.

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Background Actor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Actor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,903 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Actor/Performer-Standardized Patient

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Greeley, CO • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Actor / Performer - Standardized Patient
Pay - $25 per hour
As Needed-Nonexempt
Schedule & Shifts - As needed Friday - Sunday (with flexibility to occasionally work limited hours during the week). Three 5-hour shifts between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Hours may fluctuate as the program is established.
Minimum age - 18
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) - Our New Assessment Center: Coming March 2026
Join the NBCE team as we open our new state of the art Assessment Center to administer pre-licensure examinations for chiropractic students! Our Part IV exam is a practical, clinical assessment designed to test the student's (i.e., examinee's) hands-on skills. We are now hiring Standardized Patients who will learn and act out case scenarios, depicting specific health conditions, during these assessments.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Standardized Patient (SP) is trained to portray health conditions realistically, accurately, and consistently during a performance-based assessment. The SP recreates the case history, personality and physical and emotional responses of an actual patient with a particular health condition. This role requires a high level of professionalism, reliability, and discretion in a high-stake testing environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Realistically, accurately, and consistently portray a patient case scenario including history, emotional state, physical symptoms and behavior according to the provided scripts.
  • SPs are expected to learn and demonstrate physical maneuvers to simulate the assigned conditions.
  • Provide computer-scored and written feedback to examinees according to the guidelines provided by NBCE.
  • Interactions between SPs and examinees are video recorded and utilized by Chiropractic Examiners, which are licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, for scoring performance assessments.
  • SPs must be comfortable wearing examination gowns over standard undergarments (e.g. sports bra or full-coverage underwear) while working with examinees, and will allow students to perform non-invasive physical exam maneuvers on their bodies (e.g. listening to the heart and lungs on skin with a stethoscope, pressing on the abdomen with finger pads on skin, performing multiple orthopedic-neurological maneuvers using legs, arms, hands, etc.)
  • SPs are required to attend ongoing and regularly scheduled training sessions.
  • Follow NBCE guidelines on confidentiality, professional behavior, and safety protocols. SPs must maintain confidentiality of all case materials, descriptions of patient scenarios, and interaction with examinees and other SPs.

Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • No previous work experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Ability to memorize, internalize, and realistically portray assigned case scenarios.
  • The ability to follow written and verbal instructions is essential.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willingness to be videotaped.
  • Basic computer skills are required (e.g., logging into virtual meeting spaces, typing short paragraphs, opening an email attachment, clicking on a web address, checking boxes on an electronic checklist).
  • A valid e-mail address and access to internet required.
  • Regular and punctual attendance is required to support the operations of a high stakes testing environment.
  • Medical knowledge or acting experience is not required.
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate's satisfactory completion of the NBCE's pre-employment, post-offer screening process, including a background check (criminal history), motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.
Headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is the international testing organization for the chiropractic profession, with the mission of ensuring professional competency and public safety through excellence in testing. Established in 1963, NBCE develops, administers, and scores standardized examinations for candidates seeking chiropractic licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in several international countries. Our new assessment center will increase testing opportunities, improve standardization, and incorporate cutting-edge technology, ensuring that future chiropractors are fully prepared to serve patients with skill, integrity, and excellence.
The NBCE is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, creed, national origin, age 40 and older, sex including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and pregnancy, marital status, military status, disability, or genetic information, or other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
COMPENSATION: $25 per hour
BENEFITS (waiting periods may apply) :
Pro-rated Sick Time off
Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave
401(k) Plan
Work Location: In Person
APPLICATION WINDOW
Application Deadline: 5/30/26

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