Salaries of Popular TV Actors Per Episode
Ever wonder what it’s like to earn more for a single TV episode than most of us make in a year? Let’s delve into the realm of blockbuster shows and the most beloved TV actors, where per-episode salaries might make you briefly entertain the idea of a career switch, all in the hopes of possessing even a fraction of their talent. Yet, it’s essential to remember that among countless TV shows and actors, only a select few manage to captivate the hearts of the public and keep us firmly glued to our screens
These actors aren’t just raking in big money; they’re crafting moments that stick with us. Whether they’re evoking laughter or tears, they invest hours of hard work to keep us captivated. They breathe life into stories with their talent and charisma, making us connect on a level that’s truly remarkable.
TV studios know when they have a hit show in their hands. Shows with high ratings bring in bigger advertising revenue for the network. A significant contributor to a show’s success is its cast of actors. They earn substantial salaries, while the studio receives a big payday from advertisers – truly a win-win situation.”
Here’s a list of some of the most popular TV actors and their final season salaries per episode on their hit TV shows:
| Actors | TV Shows | Years | Salary per Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emilia Clarke | Game of Thrones | 2011-2019 | $1,000,000 |
| Kit Harington | Game of Thrones | 2011-2019 | $1,000,000 |
| Jennifer Aniston | The Morning Show | 2019-Present | $2,000,000 |
| Reese Witherspoon | The Morning Show | 2019-Present | $2,000,000 |
| Charlie Sheen | Two and a Half Men | 2003-2011 | $1,800,000 |
| Ray Romano | Everybody Loves Raymond | 1996-2005 | $1,725,000 |
| Chris Pratt | The Terminal List | 2022-Present | $1,400,000 |
| Jerry Seinfeld | Seinfeld | 1989-1998 | $1,000,000 |
| Jim Parsons | Game of Thrones | 2011-2019 | $1,000,000 |
| Jennifer Aniston | Friends | 1994-2004 | $1,000,000 |
| Courteney Cox | Friends | 1994-2004 | $1,000,000 |
| Matthew Perry | Friends | 1994-2004 | $1,000,000 |
| David Schwimmer | Friends | 1994-2004 | $1,000,000 |
| Lisa Kudrow | Friends | 1994-2004 | $1,000,000 |
| Matt LeBlanc | Friends | 1994-2004 | $1,000,000 |
| Johnny Galecki | The Big Bang Theory | 2007-2019 | $1,000,000 |
| Kaley Cuoco | The Big Bang Theory | 2007-2019 | $1,000,000 |
| Ashton Kutcher | Two and a Half Men | 2011-2015 | $750,000 |
| Julia Louis-Dreyfus | Seinfeld | 1989-1998 | $600,000 |
| Ellen Pompeo | Grey's Anatomy | 2005-Present | $575,000 |
| Tina Fey | 30 Rock | 2006-2013 | $500,000 |
| Sofia Vergara | Modern Family | 2009-2020 | $500,000 |
| Julie Bowen | Modern Family | 2009-2020 | $500,000 |
| Hugh Laurie | House | 2004-2012 | $400,000 |
| Neil Patrick Harris | How I Met Your Mother | 2005-2014 | $400,000 |
| William H. Macy | Shameless | 2011-2021 | $350,000 |
| Jon Hamm | Mad Men | 2007-2015 | $275,000 |
| Kerry Washington | Scandal | 2012-2018 | $250,000 |
| Bryan Cranston | Breaking Bad | 2008-2013 | $225,000 |
| David Duchovny | The X-Files | 1993-2002 | $225,000 |
| Jason Segel | How I Met Your Mother | 2005-2014 | $225,000 |
| Steve Carell | The Office | 2005-2013 | $175,000 |
| Edie Falco | The Sopranos | 1999-2007 | $175,000 |