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Occupational Outlook Handbook | All Occupations

Entertainers and performers, sports and related occupations

Fatalities
  • Actors, Producers, and Directors
    • Actors endure long periods of unemployment, intense competition for roles, and frequent rejections in auditions.
    • Formal training through a university or acting conservatory is typical; however, many actors, producers, and directors find work on the basis of their experience and talent alone.
    • Because earnings for actors are erratic, many supplement their incomes by holding jobs in other fields.
  • Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers
    • Work hours are often irregular; travel may be extensive.
    • Career-ending injuries are always a risk for athletes.
    • Job opportunities will be best for part-time coaches, sports instructors, umpires, referees, and sports officials in high schools, sports clubs, and other settings.
    • Competition for professional athlete jobs will continue to be extremely intense; athletes who seek to compete professionally must have extraordinary talent, desire, and dedication to training.
  • Dancers and Choreographers
    • Many dancers stop performing by their late thirties, but some remain in the field as choreographers, dance teachers, or artistic directors.
    • Most dancers begin formal training at an early age—between 5 and 15—and many have their first professional audition by age 17 or 18.
    • Dancers and choreographers face intense competition; only the most talented find regular work.
  • Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers
    • Part-time schedules and intermittent unemployment are common; many musicians supplement their income with earnings from other sources.
    • Aspiring musicians begin studying an instrument or training their voices at an early age.
    • Competition for jobs is keen; those who can play several instruments and perform a wide range of musical styles should enjoy the best job prospects.
  • Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, all other

Fatalities

2004 Fatal occupational injuries by occupation and event or exposure

OccupationFatalities: Event or exposure
TotalTran.Viol.Cont.FallsExpo.Fires
Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers 32 16 6 4 6--
Miscellaneous entertainers and performers, sports and related workers 5------

source: Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Program; about this section

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