Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 53% of agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 11.9%.

53%
5-Year Survival Rate
+11.1%
Net Growth Rate
3,761
Total Firms
380
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures a Good Business to Start?

With a 53% five-year survival rate, agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.

The annual exit rate of 11.9% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)16.0%
Exit Rate (closures)11.9%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+4.0 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

25.7%
Job Creation Rate
14.6%
Job Destruction Rate
+11.1%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 27,281 workers across 3,761 firms.

Want to know how much agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures businesses actually make?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures businesses fail?
Approximately 47% of agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 11.9%, with 380 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures industry growing or shrinking?
The agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +11.1% per year. New businesses are entering at 16.0% while 11.9% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.