What You Need to Know About Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agent or Business Manager
Job Description: Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
List of Agent or Business Manager Job Duties
- Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.
- Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
- Prepare periodic accounting statements for clients.
- Confer with clients to develop strategies for their careers, and to explain actions taken on their behalf.
- Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
- Advise clients on financial and legal matters such as investments and taxes.
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What an Agent or Business Manager Should Know
When polled, Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agent or Business Manager
- Entertainment Manager
- Booker
- Literary Agent
- Promotional Agent
- Artist Representative
What Kind of Agent or Business Manager Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 19,100 jobs for Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agent or Business Manager in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agent or Business Manager by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,300 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Agent or Business Manager are Ohio, Nebraska, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Virginia, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers Salary
The salary for Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers ranges between about $33,440 and $187,600 a year.

Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers who work in New York, Michigan, or South Carolina, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Arizona | $58,470 |
California | $98,200 |
Connecticut | $133,770 |
Florida | $86,540 |
Georgia | $59,090 |
Illinois | $67,000 |
Kansas | $89,730 |
Louisiana | $41,830 |
Maryland | $65,930 |
Massachusetts | $60,510 |
Michigan | $95,990 |
Minnesota | $61,640 |
Missouri | $44,480 |
Nevada | $55,940 |
New Jersey | $78,660 |
New York | $100,560 |
North Carolina | $74,210 |
Ohio | $46,850 |
Oklahoma | $25,960 |
Oregon | $71,620 |
Pennsylvania | $55,200 |
South Carolina | $82,220 |
Tennessee | $86,750 |
Texas | $81,250 |
Washington | $60,120 |
What Tools & Technology do Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Database software
- LexisNexis
- Salesforce software
- Apple macOS
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Financial accounting software
- Statistical analysis software
- Videoconferencing software
How to Become an Agent or Business Manager
Are there Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Agent or Business Manager?

Where Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agents and Business Managers work:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Artist, Athlete, and Performer Agent or Business Manager may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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