How Much do Extras Get Paid? (All-In Guide)

How much do extras get paid? This is a question that many people are wondering about as they watch films or their favourite series. The answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we will discuss the salaries of extras and how they have changed over the years. Stay tuned for more information.

How much do Extras in a TV show get paid?

Depending on their union status, extras are paid differently. Non-union employees are often employed for a 10 or 12-hour day, with overtime compensation granted if work runs late. A day of background work typically costs between $100 and $200.

SAG (Screen Actors Guild) performers make more—sometimes significantly more—than their non-union counterparts, but remuneration is much less consistent.

The base rate for background work in 2021 is around $170 per day, but this figure is subject to several conditions. For example, an additional will be compensated more if:

They are required to work more than eight hours a day,
They are asked to return for another day of filming, or

Their role is considered to be of significant importance to production.

Extras who are particularly lucky—or good at their job—may also be allowed to work as a featured extra. These roles are more significant, and the pay is correspondingly higher, with a day’s work earning featured extras around $500.

Of course, these are just base rates—performers may also receive additional payments if they use their wardrobe or props or are required to perform a special skill (such as horse riding or martial arts). They may even receive a bonus if their scene is used in the film’s or TV show’s final version.

Overall, it is safe to say that extras in Hollywood can earn anywhere from $100 to $500 per day, depending on their role, union status, and level of experience.

So, background work could be a great way to start if you’re looking to break into the world of acting! You might even end up as a featured extra one day.

Do Extras always get paid?

Typically extras will always get paid for a full day, even if they’re needed for only a few hours. This is because producers want the extras to be available for the entire day in case they’re needed, and it’s impossible to know how long each scene will take in advance.

This means that even if an extra only works for a few hours, they will still be paid for the full day.

Do Extras have to pay taxes?

All earnings, including from background work, are subject to taxation. This means that extras must report their earnings to the IRS and pay taxes on them accordingly. Don’t delay getting in touch with a tax professional if you would like more information.

Is being extra worth it?

Whether or not being an extra is worth it depends on each individual’s circumstances. Some people enjoy the experience of being on set and meeting new people, even if they’re only paid a minimal amount.

On the other hand, some people are more concerned about money than anything else.

Being an extra is a low-stress opportunity to obtain on-set experience, build vital connections, and get paid to watch skilled actors and creatives work.

Extra work, however, may not be worth it if you’re attempting to figure out how to advance from extra to a major actor. For this reason, the individual must accept or decline the position.

How much do Extras get paid a year?

Extras in Hollywood typically earn between $100 and $500 daily, depending on their role, union status, and experience level. This means that they can earn $52,838 per year.

All earnings, however, are subject to taxation. This means that extras must report their earnings to the IRS and pay taxes on them accordingly. So, after taxes, extras may take home a significantly smaller amount.

How much do extras make per episode?

This varies depending on the production. Some productions may pay extras a lump sum for their work on an episode, while others may pay them hourly.

For example, if extra work on a show pays $200 per day and the episode is two days long, they would make $400 for that episode. Extras are rarely paid on an hourly basis.

Because it is difficult for the director to determine the number of hours the extras will be required. And since this would necessitate a significant amount of bookkeeping, which is just more time-consuming than it is worth.

Instead, most supplementary roles are paid on a per-day basis. With a basic salary, some additional demands or requirements will increase pay.

How much do extras get paid in Avengers?

Being a movie extra in Avengers sounds like a good way to make around $100 daily. You can be an extra in feature films, commercials, music videos, and more. However, the money you make depends on the project you’re working on and your experience.

For example, a big-budget feature film will pay more extras than a student film. And if you have experience working as an extra, you’ll likely make more than someone who has never done it before.

So, if you’re thinking about becoming a movie extra, do your research and be prepared to work for lower wages at first. Then, with a little experience, you can start making good money as an extra.

How much do extras get paid in Stranger Things?

According to Fox Business, for a season of “Stranger Things,” the major stars earned between $1.2 million and $2.8 million.

In addition to supplementary projects and sponsorship deals, the performers are expected to earn significantly more by the end of the year. However, the background actors’ pay is a little more complicated.

How much do background actors get paid per hour?

A day of background work usually costs between $100 and $200. As a result, SAG actors make more—sometimes significantly more—than nonunion actors, although the pay is far less consistent.

Background actors are paid what’s called “scale”, which is the minimum amount an actor can pay for their work. For a network television show like “Stranger Things,” SAG-AFTRA (the union representing background actors) has a set rate of $86.50 for an eight-hour day. This rate goes up to $172 for anything over 12 hours.

While this may not seem like a lot, it’s important to remember that background actors are not guaranteed work daily. In addition, they are often required to bring their wardrobe and props, which can add up quickly.

Overall, background actors play an important role in the success of a show like “Stranger Things.” Without them, the world of the show would feel much less real. So, next time you watch your favourite TV show, remember the hard-working background actors that help bring it to life.

How much do extras get paid on Game of Thrones?

Even if you’ve read every article about Game of Thrones, you’re unlikely to have seen an interview with one of the show’s hundreds of extras.

They are not allowed to speak to the media. Yet, the legions of anonymous Game of Thrones background performers are essential to the production and have tremendously demanding and crucial tasks.

Many cast members have been with the performance for years, playing various troops, traders, and Westrosi citizens. Some have even gotten tattoos to commemorate their involvement. Daily, they earn around $100, and they’re among the first to arrive on set and the last to leave.

While this may not appear to be much, it is a good income for Ireland, where most of the production occurs. And it’s not just the money that keeps them coming back — it’s also the experience.

How much do extras get paid in Walking Dead?

The going rate for extras is roughly $64 for 8 hours, plus time and a half. However, some extras report being paid as low as $50 for an entire day’s work. In addition to this, many extras are only given a lunch break and are not given any other breaks.

As such, extras are not uncommon to work 12 hours or more daily. While the pay may not be great, working on The Walking Dead is an experience many people would love.

And you never know, you might find yourself in a scene with one of the show’s main characters. So, if you’re ever allowed to be an extra on The Walking Dead, jump at the chance and enjoy the experience. Just don’t expect to get rich quickly.

How much do extras get paid in NYC?

According to Schedule X, Part I of the SAG-AFTRA handbook reference section, generic background actors in major locations such as Los Angeles and New York make an average of $170 per day.

According to SAG-AFTRA, your daily salary of $170 might be boosted to $184 if you agree to work in the rain or get wet, barring roles involving aquatic sports. In addition, willingness to be exposed to smoke, including herbal cigarettes, will earn you an extra $14 per day.

Producers may pay an additional $19 for actors with realistic-looking beards, wigs, or hairpieces that extras demand in the scene. You can also be compensated if you bring your props, saving the production company money.

For example, bringing your pet, Lizzy Lizard may earn you an extra $23, or your golf equipment could earn you an extra $12. You may never know what you might find in the garage or attic.

What to expect on set as an extra?

If you’re new to acting, you may wonder what it’s like to work as an extra. Here’s what you can expect:

You’ll likely be working long hours. As a result, extras are often required to work 12-hour days or even longer, depending on the production.
You’ll need to be prepared for long periods of waiting around. Even though you may only be on screen for a few seconds, you could be working on set for hours at a time.
You’ll be expected to take direction well. Extras are typically given very specific instructions on standing, walking, or sitting. You must follow the director’s instructions and do as you’re told.

You may have to perform some basic stunts. For example, extras are sometimes asked to walk through a door or stand in front of a moving car.
You’ll be working with a lot of different people. As an extra, you’ll interact with actors, directors, crew members, and other extras. Therefore, you must be respectful and professional at all times.
You’ll need to be comfortable with being on camera. Even if you’re just an extra in the background, there’s a chance that you could end up on camera. If you’re not comfortable with this, then acting may not be your right career.

Overall, working as an extra can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the entertainment industry. It’s a good way to learn how movies and TV shows are made, and you’ll get to work with talented people.

Just be prepared for long hours and lots of waiting around. If you can handle that, then you’ll do just fine.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, extras are not paid much for their work. However, it is important to remember that they are often required to bring their wardrobe and props, which can add up quickly.