Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes play a specialized role in supporting talent-focused careers. Nationally, there are about 21,000 people working in this occupation, with a national median annual salary of $96,310. The field shows projected employment growth of 8.7%, along with about 2,000 annual openings, indicating a consistent flow of opportunities for new and experienced professionals. Successful agents and business managers draw on a broad mix of skills, including creativity and innovation, strong speaking and listening abilities, and solid customer service and interpersonal strengths. They also rely on writing and reading, problem solving and decision making, and project management capabilities. Critical and analytical thinking, adaptability, and comfort with computers and information technology round out the skill set. For people who enjoy working closely with clients and navigating complex professional situations, this career can offer a dynamic path with opportunities in multiple regions and metropolitan areas across the country.
The national median annual salary for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is $96,310, reflecting strong earning potential in this career. Salaries vary meaningfully by location. Among top states, California reports a median salary of $98,110 and Colorado shows $95,530, both above the national median. New York’s median salary is $79,620, while Washington and Virginia list median salaries of $74,620 and $73,400. At the metro level, several areas offer median pay above six figures, including San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $103,730. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA also reports a relatively high median salary of $97,750, and the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area has a median salary of $83,820. These differences suggest that choosing a location can have a significant impact on potential earnings within this field.
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes have a national employment level of 21,000, with projected employment growth of 8.7%. This projected growth, combined with approximately 2,000 annual openings, indicates that there are steady opportunities for new entrants and experienced professionals over time. The same projected growth rate of 8.7% appears in several key states and metro areas, including California, New York, Colorado, Washington, and Virginia, as well as metros such as New York-Newark-Jersey City, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue. This consistency shows that growth is present in multiple regions rather than being concentrated in only one area. People considering this career can look at both national and local employment and growth figures to align their plans with regions that match their preferences and goals.
Location plays a major role in opportunity for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes. Among states, California stands out with a median salary of $98,110, employment of 4,860, and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York follows with employment of 2,660, a median salary of $79,620, and an opportunity score of 65.78. Colorado, Washington, and Virginia have smaller employment numbers—80, 120, and 110 respectively—but still show notable opportunity scores between 54.96 and 56.97. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ area has the highest opportunity score at 77.27, with employment of 2,490 and a median salary of $83,820. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA offers a median salary of $103,730 and an opportunity score of 68.75, while Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA combines high employment (4,120) with a median salary of $97,750. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue also present solid option scores and salaries, providing multiple geographic choices.
For agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes, the typical education requirement is a bachelor’s degree. This academic foundation can support development of the wide-ranging skills that are important in this occupation. Key strengths include creativity and innovation, which help in approaching complex situations and opportunities. Strong speaking and listening, customer service, and interpersonal skills are central to building and maintaining professional relationships. Writing and reading abilities contribute to clear communication, while problem solving and decision making, along with project management, support handling multiple priorities. Critical and analytical thinking and adaptability help in responding to changing circumstances. Comfort with computers and information technology is also part of the skill profile. People considering this career can use their bachelor’s-level education to build these capabilities, preparing for work that blends communication, analysis, and relationship-focused activities.
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