Stand-up Comedian
😂Writes and performs jokes on stage: open mics, solo shows, tours, YouTube and TV. Tests new material on a live audience every night.
Prospects & pay
What the work is like
💼 Job market
🇺🇸 $78.4k a year on average · +4.7% jobs by 2035 · 4,500 openings a year
Entertainers & performers, sports & related workers, all other — US: Census ACS 2020–24 (full-time), BLS projections 2025–35
🤖 AI & automation
AI writes jokes, but weak ones; charisma, a personal story and reading the room are what audiences pay for.
Who it suits
Interests: 🎭 Music, theatre, dance, ✍️ Writing and literature, 📱 Media, content, advertising, 🧠 Psychology.
Key strengths: speaking and writing, artistic taste.
Where to study
- Course Open mics and comedy courses (e.g. The Second City, UCB, local comedy schools)
Key school subjects (A-level / IB / AP): Drama, English Literature.
🧗 No degree needed: years of open mics, festivals (Edinburgh Fringe), then an agent. Most rely on day jobs; a few reach arenas, Netflix specials and big tours.
Things to know
🎤 Public speaking, being on camera🌙 Night shifts and on-call🧳 Frequent work trips
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