What’s the Average Salary for Broadway Jobs in Chicago?
Ever wondered how much money people make in jobs on Broadway in Chicago? Whether you’re an actor, dancer, or part of the stage crew, pay varies a lot. It depends on your role, experience, and the production. In this guide, we’ll break down salaries, explain what affects pay, and give real-world examples. We’ll also touch on how a side hustle in Los Angeles can help boost income.
What Types of Jobs Are Available on Broadway in Chicago?
Broadway productions need more than just actors. There are dancers, understudies, stage crew, and technical staff. Each job has different pay and responsibilities.
For example, lead actors usually perform every show and memorize long scripts. Chorus performers or swings cover multiple roles and jump in wherever needed. Both jobs matter, but the pay is different.
Some performers also do a side hustle in Los Angeles to earn extra. Many teach, act in commercials, or take short gigs between shows.
What Factors Affect Pay on Broadway?
Several things influence how much someone earns:
● Role size: Lead roles earn more than supporting or chorus parts.
● Experience: Veteran performers often get higher pay.
● Extra responsibilities: Dance captains, fight captains, and swings can get bonuses.
● Production budget: Bigger shows can pay more.
● Fame or celebrity: Well-known performers may earn significantly higher rates.
For instance, a lead actor in a big show might earn thousands weekly, while a chorus performer earns a fixed minimum.
How Much Do Broadway Actors Usually Make?
Salaries vary widely. On average, non-celebrity actors earn between $45,000 and $220,000 per year. Weekly pay depends on the role, contract, and show schedule.
Some typical weekly pay rates include:
● Chorus members: $25 per week
● Assistant dance captain: $232 per week
● Dance captain: $464 per week
● Understudies: $60–$116 per week
● Fight captain: $100 per week
Celebrity actors earn much more. For example, stars like Nathan Lane have reportedly earned $100,000 per week for some shows.
This shows that experience and role size matter a lot when it comes to pay.
How Do Broadway Actors Get Paid?
Actors usually receive pay from the production company. They get paid weekly through payroll.
Contracts list weekly salary, bonuses, and sometimes a percentage of ticket sales. Some actors also get extra for signing exclusive agreements, sometimes called “riders.”
Can You Boost Your Income With a Side Hustle in Los Angeles?
Many performers use a side hustle in Los Angeles to supplement income. Popular options include:
● Teaching acting or dance classes
● Freelance acting in commercials
● Voice-over work
● Short-term production jobs
These side hustles help cover bills between shows or during breaks. They are especially helpful for newcomers or those still building a Broadway career.
How Does Experience Affect Broadway Pay?
Experience makes a big difference. New performers often earn the weekly minimum. Experienced performers can negotiate higher pay.
Extra perks for veterans may include:
● A cut of box office sales
● Lead role assignments
● Extra duties like choreography or stage management
Even small roles can pay more for seasoned performers.
How Can You Land a Job on Broadway in Chicago?
Getting a Broadway job takes effort. Most actors join union organizations like the Actors’ Equity Association. They attend auditions, network, and build resumes.
Stage crew roles usually require technical skills in lighting, sound, or set design. Starting in community theaters or smaller productions is a common path to Broadway.
What Are the Benefits Beyond Salary?
Broadway jobs come with more than pay. Benefits often include:
● Networking with industry professionals
● Learning new skills in performance or technical work
● Working with big audiences
● Union protections for wages and safety
Even starting small, these benefits can lead to a long-term career in theater.
How Do Salaries Differ by Role?
Here’s a simple breakdown of some roles and typical weekly pay:
● Lead actors: $2,000–$10,000+ per week
● Chorus: $500–$1,000 per week
● Understudies: $500–$800 per week
● Dance captains: $1,000+ per week
● Fight captains: $600–$900 per week
These are general numbers. Exact pay depends on production, union rules, and the performer’s experience.
Can You Make a Full-Time Income From Broadway Alone?
Some performers do earn a full-time income from Broadway alone. Lead actors and those with years of experience often receive steady weekly pay. They may also get bonuses or a share of ticket sales, which can add up over time.
However, not every performer reaches that level right away. Many rely on a side hustle in Los Angeles or other types of work to stay financially stable. For example, actors might teach acting or dance classes, do voice-over work, or take short-term commercial acting gigs. Stage crew members may freelance for smaller theater productions or technical jobs in film and TV.
Even performers with steady Broadway work sometimes plan for gaps between shows. Shows may close unexpectedly, or contracts might not be renewed. In these cases, side work ensures they can cover rent, bills, and daily expenses.
A combination of Broadway pay and supplemental income can create a more predictable and secure financial situation. Some performers even turn their side hustles into long-term income streams. For instance, teaching acting workshops can become a consistent source of earnings while still allowing time for Broadway performances.
Ultimately, a career on Broadway can be financially rewarding, but planning ahead and exploring other opportunities can make income more reliable.
FAQs
How much do Broadway actors make in Chicago?
Non-celebrity actors earn between $45,000 and $220,000 per year.
What is the weekly minimum for Broadway performers?
Unionized actors earn around $2,439 per week. Some roles, like dance captain,s earn more.
Do stage crew earn less than actors?
Usually yes, but senior technical roles can earn competitive pay.
Can a side hustle in Los Angeles supplement Broadway income?
Yes. Many performers teach, act, or freelance to earn extra money.
Do celebrity performers earn more than union minimums?
Yes. Some earn tens of thousands weekly plus ticket sale percentages.
Ready to See How Much You Can Make?
If you’re curious about jobs on Broadway in Chicago or thinking about a side hustle in Los Angeles, now is the time to get the full picture. At How Much Can I Make?, we provide real salary data, practical guides, and expert tips to help you plan your career and income wisely.
You can explore average earnings for different Broadway roles, learn which positions pay the most, and discover side hustles that fit your skills and schedule. Whether you want to supplement your income or aim for a full-time career, the right information can make all the difference.
Start today and see how much you could earn. With clear, reliable data and actionable insights, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to reach your goals in the theater world or beyond.
