How much do actors get paid for a Netflix series?
Inside the Streaming Giant’s Pay Structure — From Rising Stars to A-List Powerhouses
(By Carmichael Phillip)
(Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash)
Understanding Netflix’s Payment Model
Netflix, the world’s largest subscription-based streaming service, has transformed the entertainment industry in more ways than one. Aside from revolutionizing content distribution, it has also significantly changed the way actors are compensated—often front-loading payment rather than offering the traditional residuals associated with network television. But how much do actors really earn from Netflix series?
The answer, as you might expect, varies widely depending on a number of factors: the actor’s experience and fame, the budget of the show, episode count, and how successful the series is projected to be.
Top-Tier Netflix Talent: The A-List Salaries
A-list actors with strong box office and television track records command significant paychecks on Netflix. Take Henry Cavill, for instance. For his role as Geralt in The Witcher, Cavill reportedly earned $400,000 per episode in Season 1. As the series gained traction and became a fan-favorite, his salary jumped to a reported $1 million per episode by Season 3.
Another example is Winona Ryder and David Harbour in Stranger Things. By the third season, both actors were reportedly earning around $350,000 per episode. In later seasons, that amount increased due to the show’s massive popularity, with some top cast members making upwards of $500,000 per episode.
Kevin Spacey, during his time on House of Cards, earned a whopping $500,000 per episode, making him one of the highest-paid television actors globally at the time.
The Mid-Tier: Recognizable Faces, Moderate Rates
Actors who aren’t quite A-list but have consistent work in film or television typically fall into the mid-tier salary range. For example, Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell reportedly made between $150,000 to $200,000 per episode for The Diplomat.
Another notable case is the ensemble cast of Orange is the New Black. While the show featured a wide range of actors with different levels of fame, many were relatively unknown before the series aired. During the earlier seasons, most cast members reportedly earned between $20,000 to $35,000 per episode, with increases negotiated as the show gained massive popularity.
Newcomers and Unknown Talent
For actors who are either completely new or haven’t yet built up a significant résumé, Netflix’s payments are modest in comparison to stars. First-time or little-known actors might start out earning as low as $10,000 to $25,000 per episode.
Take the younger cast of Stranger Things—Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and others began the series earning around $20,000 to $30,000 per episode. However, due to the show’s success and their rising fame, they negotiated raises. By Season 3, they were reportedly making $200,000 to $250,000 per episode, with Brown possibly commanding more due to her central role and growing film career.
Do Netflix Actors Get Residuals?
Unlike traditional TV networks, Netflix does not offer residuals in the same way. In standard network TV, actors continue to receive payments (residuals) each time an episode airs. Netflix operates under a different model—it typically buys out the rights to a show upfront, meaning actors receive a one-time negotiated payment for their work.
This lump sum payment model can be advantageous in the short term—especially for actors who negotiate high fees—but it removes the long-term financial benefit of rerun royalties.
According to the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), streaming platforms like Netflix often negotiate residuals differently, usually based on the number of subscribers and the show’s international reach, but these payments are generally much lower than network residuals.
Factors That Influence Netflix Actor Salaries
Several factors can dramatically impact what Netflix is willing to pay an actor:
Star Power: Proven box office draw or critical acclaim can lead to higher upfront payments.
Show Budget: High-concept shows with large production budgets often allocate more for casting.
Episode Count: Fewer episodes per season (a trend in streaming) can mean higher per-episode rates.
Negotiation Leverage: Agents and managers play a significant role in securing better contracts.
Global Appeal: Actors with international recognition may earn more due to Netflix’s global footprint.
For instance, Pedro Pascal was rumored to receive between $600,000 and $700,000 per episode for his work on The Last of Us on HBO, which reflects a broader trend across streaming platforms—Netflix included—of investing heavily in major talent for limited episode series.
Comparisons With Traditional Network Shows
Comparatively, traditional network actors—like those on CBS, NBC, or ABC—earn differently. For instance, the Friends cast famously negotiated $1 million per episode during its final seasons. However, they also continue to receive millions annually in residuals, due to the show’s syndication.
Netflix, on the other hand, does not syndicate in the traditional sense. Shows remain on the platform as long as Netflix holds the rights, and actors are generally not compensated for each new viewer. Instead, all compensation is included in the upfront contract.
While this offers a level of financial security, it also means that even if a show becomes a cult classic watched for years, the actor’s paycheck won’t increase beyond what was originally agreed upon.
How Much Do Background Actors Make?
It’s not just the leads who make money on a Netflix show. Background actors, often known as “extras,” also receive compensation, although it’s significantly lower. Typically, background actors earn between $150 to $250 per day, depending on the production, hours worked, and union affiliation.
Union background actors (those in SAG-AFTRA) usually earn higher daily rates and are protected under minimum guarantees for breaks, meals, and overtime.
Occasionally, background actors can transition into minor speaking roles, increasing their pay dramatically—especially if those roles become recurring.
High-Profile Examples of Netflix Actor Salaries
To summarize, here are some standout salary examples from major Netflix projects:
Henry Cavill (The Witcher) – Up to $1 million/episode
Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) – Over $250,000/episode
Kevin Spacey (House of Cards) – $500,000/episode
Winona Ryder & David Harbour (Stranger Things) – Around $350,000 to $500,000/episode
Cast of The Crown – Estimated $40,000 to $70,000/episode in earlier seasons, rising for leads
Keri Russell (The Diplomat) – Around $200,000/episode
What About International Netflix Stars?
Netflix operates globally, which means actors in international markets have different pay structures. For example, in Money Heist (originally La Casa de Papel), the Spanish cast started out on modest national television salaries. Once Netflix picked up the series and it exploded in popularity, actors renegotiated their contracts. While exact figures are unknown, it’s estimated that leads like Úrsula Corberó and Álvaro Morte saw their salaries multiply several times over—though still not comparable to Hollywood-level pay.
In Squid Game, South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae earned an estimated $300,000 for the entire first season—a bargain considering the series’ global impact. For Season 2, however, his salary is expected to rise to $1 million per episode, reflecting the show’s success and Netflix’s willingness to invest in proven properties.
Final Thoughts: A Platform of Opportunity and Limitation
Netflix offers a mixed bag when it comes to actor compensation. For some, it’s a golden ticket to global fame and lucrative contracts. For others, especially newcomers, it’s a stepping stone. Regardless, the platform continues to reshape the economics of television acting.
Actors working on Netflix series often receive substantial pay—but without the long-term benefits of syndication residuals. However, the trade-off can be worth it, especially for stars who can command high upfront payments.
As the streaming wars continue and platforms compete for prestige content, expect these numbers to keep climbing, with Netflix remaining one of the top-paying and most influential players in the business.
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