Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
Also called: Agent · Athlete Marketing Agent · Booker · Booking Agent · Entertainment Specialist · Literary Agent
Median pay (national)
$96,310
$48,530–$239,200+ (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
14,220
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+8.7%
~2,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $239,200+ versus $48,530 at the bottom 10% — 4.9x. The median of $96,310 leaves roughly 148% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +8.7% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 2,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 20 states with released data, Wisconsin pays the most for this role (median $114,210, +19% vs the national median), while Michigan sits lowest at $46,400 — a 146% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
- Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals.
- Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
- Conduct auditions or interviews to evaluate potential clients.
- Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.
- Confer with clients to develop strategies for their careers, and to explain actions taken on their behalf.
- Develop contacts with individuals and organizations, and apply effective strategies and techniques to ensure their clients' success.
- Schedule promotional or performance engagements for clients.
- Arrange meetings concerning issues involving their clients.
- Hire trainers or coaches to advise clients on performance matters, such as training techniques or performance presentations.
Tools & technology
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Salesforce software
- Zoom
- Avid Technology iNEWS
- Database software
- Financial accounting software
- LexisNexis
- Salesforce Marketing Cloud
- Statistical analysis software
- Tax planning software
- Videoconferencing software
- Web browser software
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Fine Arts
- Communications and Media
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources