How Much Do Actors Cost to Hire?
Hiring an actor can be a complex process, with costs varying based on factors such as experience, fame, project type, and budget. Whether for a Hollywood blockbuster, an independent film, a commercial, or a corporate video, understanding how much actors cost to hire is crucial for producers and casting directors.
This article explores the costs of hiring actors at different levels, the factors affecting their rates, and examples of specific actors’ reported salaries.
Factors That Affect Actor Costs
1. Experience and Fame
One of the most significant factors determining an actor’s cost is their experience and popularity.
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A-list actors (top-tier Hollywood stars) command the highest salaries. These actors have name recognition, large fan bases, and proven box office success.
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B-list and C-list actors are those with moderate fame, often starring in supporting roles or leading lower-budget productions.
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Character actors and independent film actors tend to have lower fees but may still be expensive if they are well-respected.
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Newcomers and background actors typically earn the least, often working for union-scale wages.
2. Type of Project
The type of production greatly impacts how much actors are paid.
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Major Hollywood films offer the highest salaries, especially for lead roles.
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Independent films have lower budgets, meaning actors may work for a fraction of their usual rate.
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Television series provide a stable paycheck for actors, with per-episode rates that vary widely.
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Commercials can be lucrative, especially for well-known actors, as they may receive royalties or buyout deals.
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Theater productions typically pay less than film or television but can still offer substantial salaries for top Broadway actors.
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Corporate videos and online content usually have modest budgets, and actors may negotiate fees based on time required.
3. Union vs. Non-Union Actors
Actors who are part of organizations such as SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) have minimum wage standards that producers must follow. Non-union actors have more flexibility but often work for lower wages.
4. Budget and Production Scale
A low-budget indie film may only offer a few hundred dollars per day, while a major studio production could pay millions for a single performance.
Cost Breakdown by Actor Level
A-List Hollywood Actors
A-list actors can demand millions per film. Their salaries depend on their box office draw, previous earnings, and industry demand.
Examples of A-List Actor Salaries:
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Tom Cruise – Reportedly earned $100 million for Top Gun: Maverick due to backend deals.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Charges around $20–$25 million per film.
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Leonardo DiCaprio – Earned $30 million for Killers of the Flower Moon.
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Margot Robbie – Earned $12.5 million for Barbie.
In addition to upfront salaries, these actors often receive box office bonuses and a percentage of profits.
B-List and C-List Actors
These actors typically earn between $500,000 to $5 million per film, depending on the project.
Examples:
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Cillian Murphy – Earned around $10 million for Oppenheimer (previously in the B-list range, now moving into A-list).
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Florence Pugh – Made $700,000 for Oppenheimer, which is lower than A-list salaries.
Television Actors
TV actors are paid per episode, and their earnings vary based on their show’s popularity and network.
Examples of TV Actor Salaries:
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Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) – $600,000 per episode.
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Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) – $1 million per episode.
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Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) – Around $300,000 per episode.
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New TV actors – Often start at $10,000–$50,000 per episode on smaller networks.
Supporting and Indie Film Actors
For smaller roles, actors might earn between $50,000 to $500,000 per film, though in indie projects, some may only earn a few thousand dollars.
Examples:
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Jenna Ortega reportedly earned $50,000 per episode for Wednesday but made significantly less before her breakout.
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Indie film actors can earn as little as $1,000 to $10,000 for a lead role, depending on the budget.
Commercial and Voiceover Actors
Actors in commercials and voiceover work can have varied salaries:
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Major celebrity commercials – Can earn millions, such as Matthew McConaughey’s Lincoln car ads.
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Standard TV commercial actors – Typically earn $500 to $5,000 per day, with additional residuals if the ad is played frequently.
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Voice actors – Earn $250 to $1,000 per hour for animation, video games, and ads. A-list voice actors (e.g., Chris Pratt in The Super Mario Bros. Movie) can make millions.
Background and Extra Actors
Extras and small role actors earn the least.
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Union extras (SAG-AFTRA) earn around $200 per day.
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Non-union extras may work for as little as $100 per day.
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Stand-ins and stunt doubles can earn more, with stunt performers making $500–$1,000 per day, depending on the risk.
Additional Costs When Hiring an Actor
1. Residuals and Royalties
If an actor appears in a project with syndication, streaming, or DVD sales, they may receive residual payments for years.
2. Contract Negotiations
Actors often have lawyers and agents who negotiate their contracts, adding 10–20% to costs in agent fees.
3. Travel and Accommodation
Actors require lodging, per diem expenses, and transportation, which can add thousands to production costs.
4. Insurance and Legal Fees
Studios must insure actors, especially if they perform dangerous stunts.
Conclusion: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
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A-list actors: $10–100+ million per film.
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B-list actors: $500,000–$5 million per film.
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TV actors: $10,000–$1 million per episode.
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Indie actors: $1,000–$100,000 per film.
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Commercial actors: $500–millions per ad.
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Extras and minor roles: $100–$500 per day.
The cost of hiring an actor depends on their status, the project’s budget, and contract negotiations. While top Hollywood stars command staggering salaries, lesser-known actors and indie performers are often more affordable, making them a great option for smaller projects.
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