How Much Do SNL Cast Members Earn Per Episode?
For half a century, Saturday Night Live has been recognized as the premier platform for comedy, propelling aspiring performers into the realm of Hollywood stardom. Notable figures such as Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Kate McKinnon have emerged from the show, forming a distinguished roster of entertainment legends, many of whom have achieved significant wealth through films, television series, and lucrative production contracts.
It is noteworthy that, despite SNL's reputation as the most impactful comedy institution on television, the initial financial compensation for its cast members is relatively low. While securing a position on the SNL cast is a dream for many comedians, the early stages often involve a financial struggle that may surprise viewers.
New cast members begin with salaries that are insufficient to afford a reasonable apartment in Manhattan, yet the promise of substantial future earnings from films, endorsements, and various entertainment opportunities makes this initial financial challenge worthwhile. Additionally, the show's season runs from October to May, leaving cast members with approximately four months, from June to September, to enhance their income through film roles, television appearances, endorsements, and stand-up performances.
The program employs a meticulously designed compensation framework that acknowledges both tenure and celebrity status, with substantial salary increases occurring only after performers have demonstrated their value over several seasons.
This approach, established over many years by the esteemed producer Lorne Michaels, guarantees that individuals who attain the highest positions on the show have genuinely achieved their success through years of creating iconic characters, delivering flawless impressions, and enduring numerous late nights developing sketches in the writers' room.
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How Much Do SNL Cast Members Make?
First-Year Cast Members
According to a TikTok interview with Pete Davidson conducted in December 2024, first-year cast members on SNL receive a modest compensation of $3,000 for each episode. With a total of 21 episodes in a season, this amounts to approximately $63,000 for the entire season.
Second and Third Year Cast Members
For those cast members who demonstrate sufficient talent to continue into a second season, there is an increase in pay. They receive an additional $1,000 per episode, bringing their earnings to $4,000 per episode, which totals around $84,000 for the season.
Fourth-Year Cast Members
As cast members enter their fourth season, their compensation increases once more. At this stage, they earn $7,000 per episode, resulting in an annual salary of about $147,000. Notably, during this period, Pete Davidson proposed to Ariana Grande in 2018 while he was in his fourth season. He presented her with a ring valued at $93,000. Given that he was projected to earn $147,000 that season before taxes, his post-tax income would be roughly $75,000, indicating that he utilized nearly an entire season's post-tax earnings, along with an additional 2-3 episodes' worth, to purchase the ring.
Fifth-Year (and Beyond) Cast Members
For those who possess the right combination of intelligence, luck, humor, and emotional resilience to reach a fifth season, a significant salary increase occurs. From the fifth season onward, cast members earn $15,000 per episode, translating to $315,000 for a full 21-episode season. However, there exists one additional tier of compensation.
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Highest Possible SNL Salary
A limited number of cast members, particularly those who have achieved significant fame (such as Kate McKinnon, Colin Jost, and Cecily Strong), are awarded a final elite SNL compensation tier of $25,000 per episode. This totals approximately $525,000 for a full season.
At the height of his career in 2001, Will Ferrell commanded a then-record salary of $17,500 per episode, equating to $367,500 annually. Adjusted for inflation, earning $17,500 in 2001 is comparable to earning around $30,000 today. On an annual basis, this means Will was effectively earning the equivalent of $660,000 in current dollars.
Additionally, there is Kenan.
Kenan Thompson has been a part of the show since 2003, marking the longest tenure of any cast member in the program's history. Consequently, his salary is likely significantly higher than the standard figures previously mentioned. His earnings, which include a comprehensive deal to develop additional programming for NBC, are estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million annually.
How Much Do SNL Hosts Make?
Thanks to Justin Timberlake, we now have the information! Hosts receive $5,000. Here is what Justin remarked about hosting SNL for the third occasion.
"This was my third time to host, and obviously I've done some appearances here and there when I'm in town…I really do adore the cast and the writers and everyone there. And it's… you know…it's a great opportunity for an entertainer like myself to…it's the best minimum…It's the best five grand you can make on television. It's awesome."
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Do SNL Gust Stars Get Paid?
Yes, Every time Alec Baldwin appeared to spoof Donald Trump, he got paid $1,400.
Saturday Night Live continues to offer cast members a unique opportunity for growth and exposure, despite the modest starting salaries. Over the years, performers like Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, and Colin Jost have shown that the initial financial challenges are well worth it in the long run.
As cast members progress through the seasons, their compensation increases significantly, with top-tier performers earning impressive salaries. Beyond the paycheck, SNL offers cast members the chance to build their careers in Hollywood, gain widespread recognition, and leverage opportunities in film, TV, and endorsements, making it an invaluable stepping stone for comedic talent.
