Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Business and Financial Operations
Most days go to getting work for clients and protecting the terms of that work. Promotional samples go out to potential employers to land auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals; performance and promotional dates are then scheduled. Negotiations with managers, promoters, and union officials cover contractual rights, and fees or commissions are collected as agreed. Clients are briefed on career strategy and on actions taken for them; new talent may be assessed through auditions or interviews, and industry deals are watched closely. Suits people who like persuasion, keeping a wide set of contacts, and resolving disputes over contracts.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$82'890
Median Wage Market Position
$82'890
What you might do
- Negotiate contracts for artists, performers, or athletes
- Send work samples to win jobs or endorsements
- Book performances and promotional appearances
- Talk through career plans with clients
- Screen potential clients in auditions or interviews
- Collect fees and commissions owed under contracts
Skills that matter
- Listening for what a client wants
- Reviewing contracts and commission terms
- Pitching work to employers and sponsors
- Negotiating with promoters and union officials
- Settling disputes over client obligations
- Evaluating prospective clients in auditions
AI & the future of this role
Market research and contract templates might automate parts of deal screening and routine paperwork. Persuading clients, reading unspoken priorities in negotiations, and staking reputation on career choices still tend to rest on personal trust and judgment.
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Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details