How much does a agent and business manager of artists make?
The median agent and business manager of artists in the United States earns $96,310 per year, about $46.30 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all agents and business managers of artists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 13-1011.
Agent and business manager of artists salary range
Pay for agents and business managers of artists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $48,530 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $165,600 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,530 | $23.33 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $63,100 | $30.34 | |
| Median (50th) | $96,310 | $46.30 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $168,850 | $81.18 | |
| 90th percentile | $239,200+ | $115.00+ | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes (SOC 13-1011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Agent and business manager of artists salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Agents and business managers of artists earn the most in Wisconsin at $114,210 a year, and the least in Michigan at $46,400. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $114,210 | 40 |
| Georgia | $100,880 | 310 |
| Connecticut | $94,830 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $83,410 | 300 |
| New York | $81,470 | 2,660 |
| Nevada | $78,370 | N/A |
| Tennessee | $77,490 | 630 |
| Minnesota | $75,080 | 70 |
| Illinois | $72,490 | 280 |
| Texas | $71,450 | 730 |
| Maryland | $71,340 | 50 |
| Arizona | $70,100 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $68,900 | 50 |
| Colorado | $65,180 | 100 |
| Indiana | $64,530 | 60 |
| Utah | $60,470 | 130 |
| Ohio | $54,960 | 70 |
| Oregon | $53,940 | 150 |
| Virginia | $47,950 | 140 |
| Michigan | $46,400 | 90 |
State median wages for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes (SOC 13-1011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for agents and business managers of artists
The BLS projects employment of agents and business managers of artists to grow 9.7% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 26,900 jobs in 2025 moving toward 29,500 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,400 openings a year for agents and business managers of artists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an agent and business manager of artists
The typical entry-level education for agents and business managers of artists is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect less than 5 years of work experience in a related occupation.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an agent and business manager of artists earns
Firm size, industry, certifications, and years of experience drive the spread. Large firms and major financial centers pay well above small-town or entry-level roles.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Wisconsin, $114,210) and the lowest (Michigan, $46,400) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 14,220 people work as agents and business managers of artists in the United States. At $96,310 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Agent and business manager of artists salary FAQ
How much does an agent and business manager of artists make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an agent and business manager of artists is $46.30. The middle half of agents and business managers of artists earn between $30.34 and $81.18 per hour.
What is the highest agent and business manager of artists salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of agents and business managers of artists earn more than $239,200+ per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an agent and business manager of artists make a year?
The median annual salary for an agent and business manager of artists is $96,310. The average (mean) wage of $165,600 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an agent and business manager of artists a well paid job?
At $96,310 a year, an agent and business manager of artists earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 14,220 people work as agents and business managers of artists in the United States.
Which state pays agents and business managers of artists the most?
Wisconsin has the highest median salary for agents and business managers of artists at $114,210 a year. Georgia ($100,880) and Connecticut ($94,830) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an agent and business manager of artists a good career?
Employment of agents and business managers of artists is projected to grow 9.7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 2,400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an agent and business manager of artists?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for agents and business managers of artists as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
Related salaries
See more in Business & Finance salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.