Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes Salary
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes earn a median $82,890 a year nationally. Business and Financial Operations Occupations
What agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes do
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +9.7% (much faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 2,400
- Self-employed
- 45%
Employment of agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is projected to grow 9.7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,400 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$9,406
- Social Security (6.2%)$5,139
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,202
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$67,143
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,010 | $23.08 | $40,756 |
| 25th percentile | $63,670 | $30.61 | $53,339 |
| Median (50th) | $82,890 | $39.85 | $67,143 |
| 75th percentile | $146,430 | $70.40 | $111,351 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $284,570+ | $136.81 | $205,510 |
Best cities for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,750 | $71,465 | $62,928 | 4,120 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $83,820 | $63,868 | $56,740 | 2,490 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Los Angeles, CA — $97,750
- New York, NY — $83,820
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $98,200 | — | $77,914 | $31,660 – $239,200+ | 870 |
| California | $98,110 | — | $71,680 | $73,530 – $239,200+ | 4,860 |
| Colorado | $95,530 | +46.6% | $72,540 | $45,790 – $196,730 | 80 |
| Texas | $82,920 | +16.1% | $67,164 | $43,330 – $132,010 | 320 |
| Michigan | $82,440 | +77.7% | $63,574 | $31,240 – $147,180 | — |
| New Hampshire | $81,690 | — | $66,299 | $42,790 – $164,020 | 40 |
| Connecticut | $81,470 | −14.1% | $63,238 | $52,000 – $221,610 | 170 |
| New Jersey | $81,190 | −2.7% | $62,965 | $33,160 – $166,370 | 170 |
| New York | $79,620 | −2.3% | $61,140 | $52,370 – $219,690 | 2,660 |
| Arkansas | $78,560 | — | $61,246 | $55,040 – $157,140 | 30 |
| Ohio | $76,790 | +39.7% | $61,522 | $51,820 – $190,540 | 100 |
| Tennessee | $75,390 | −2.7% | $61,867 | $44,540 – $210,420 | 730 |
| Wisconsin | $74,990 | −34.3% | $58,992 | $44,520 – $136,190 | 40 |
| Washington | $74,620 | — | $61,325 | $50,790 – $239,200+ | 120 |
| Virginia | $73,400 | +53.1% | $57,061 | $34,940 – $181,080 | 110 |
| Arizona | $60,340 | −13.9% | $49,363 | $40,140 – $94,900 | 160 |
| Illinois | $56,560 | −22.0% | $44,971 | $31,200 – $124,720 | — |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $83,050 | Bachelor's degree | +3.9% |
| Logistician | $82,320 | Bachelor's degree | +17.6% |
| Compliance Officer | $80,730 | Bachelor's degree | +3.8% |
| Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist | $78,760 | Bachelor's degree | +7.0% |
| Cost Estimator | $78,740 | Bachelor's degree | -3.1% |
| Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage | $78,240 | Postsecondary nondegree award | -8.7% |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $78,210 | Bachelor's degree | +6.0% |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $78,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.5% |
| Buyer and Purchasing Agent | $77,710 | Bachelor's degree | +6.0% |
| Human Resources Specialist | $75,940 | Bachelor's degree | +6.4% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes make?
The national median salary for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is $82,890 a year ($39.85 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $48,010 and the top 10% earn over $239,200+. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes the most?
Florida has the highest median pay at $98,200. After taxes and local prices, Los Angeles, CA offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes are there in the U.S.?
About 12,620 people work as agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes nationwide.