Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
SOC Code: 13-1011
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $96,310 and +8.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 21,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes (SOC 13-1011) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 21,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $96,310, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
- 2. Send samples of clients' work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals.
- 3. Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
- 4. Conduct auditions or interviews to evaluate potential clients.
- 5. Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients' contractual rights and obligations.
- 6. Confer with clients to develop strategies for their careers, and to explain actions taken on their behalf.
- 7. Develop contacts with individuals and organizations, and apply effective strategies and techniques to ensure their clients' success.
- 8. Schedule promotional or performance engagements for clients.
- 9. Arrange meetings concerning issues involving their clients.
- 10. Manage business and financial affairs for clients, such as arranging travel and lodging, selling tickets, and directing marketing and advertising activities.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Time Management
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Fine Arts
- Communications and Media
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Economics and Accounting
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes?
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is projected to grow by 8.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 21,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes?
Key skills for Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes earn?
The median annual wage for Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is $96,310, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes?
The typical entry-level education for Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes?
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).