Business and finance
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.
Median pay
$82,890
Growth to 2035
+10%
faster than average
Openings a year
2,400
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- Less than 5 years
Calculate your switch to agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes: 45% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Agent · Athlete Marketing Agent · Booker · Booking Agent · Entertainment Specialist · Literary Agent · Print Agent · Talent Agent
Outlook and AI
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes held 26,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 29,500 by 2035 (+10%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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