An actuator for an optical pickup includes a first permanent magnet for supporting an objective lens. A focusing coil is wound around the circumference of the first permanent magnet for providing a driving force for vertical movement of the first permanent magnet. A plurality of tracking coils are placed at predetermined portions of the circumference of the first permanent magnet and provide a driving force for lateral movement of the first permanent magnet. A second permanent magnet is installed around the first permanent magnet and is separated from the first permanent magnet by a predetermined distance, for levitating the first permanent magnet which has the objective lens and the focusing and tracking coils disposed thereon, by interacting with the first permanent magnet. Therefore, the objective lens is supported by a magnetic levitation method and the disadvantages of a complicated bobbin assembly and difficulties in manufacturing and assembling the actuator can be avoided, further increasing the manufacturing productivity of the actuator.