Day Actress Pay and Employment Data
A day actress is a performer hired for single-day or short-term engagements in film, television, commercials, and industrial productions. Union rates for background and day performers are set by the SAG-AFTRA contracts, which are updated annually and published on the union's official site SAG-AFTRA. As of the latest available data, non-union day performers in major U.S. markets earn between $150 and $400 per day, while union day rates for background and featured extras typically range from $200 to $600 depending on usage and location SAG-AFTRA.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups many day performers under the broader category of actors, reporting median hourly wages and projecting employment trends through its Occupational Outlook Handbook BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Employment of actors, including day performers, is projected to grow modestly over the next decade, driven by demand for streaming content, commercials, and live events BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Top Employers and Hiring Platforms
Major production companies, advertising agencies, and streaming platforms regularly hire day actresses for background roles, crowd scenes, and single-day shoots. Leading entertainment conglomerates such as The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros. Discovery, and NBCUniversal frequently post day performer calls through casting platforms and studio websites Disney Careers.
Online casting marketplaces such as Casting Networks and Backstage connect day performers with casting directors for film, television, and commercial projects Casting Networks. These platforms allow performers to create profiles, submit self-tapes, and apply for day roles, with many listings specifying pay rates, hours, and union status directly in the job posting.
Common Roles and Industry Use Cases
Film and Television Background Work
In feature films and scripted television, day actresses often appear as background extras, walk-ons, or minor scene participants in crowd and setting shots. These roles require no long-term commitment and are typically scheduled for a single shooting day, with call times and wrap hours defined in the daily call sheet.
Commercials and Corporate Video
Day actresses are frequently hired for television and digital commercials, corporate videos, and product demonstrations where a single day of shooting covers the entire production Forbes Business Council. Commercial rates for day performers vary by market size, usage rights, and whether the role is union or non-union, with national television spots often commanding higher fees than local or digital-only campaigns.
Live Events and Experiential Marketing
Brands and event production companies hire day actresses for trade shows, product launches, and experiential marketing activations where performers interact with attendees or demonstrate products over the course of a single day SEC EDGAR. These roles are distinct from traditional film and television work in that they often emphasize brand representation and audience engagement rather than scripted dialogue.