The salaries of Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast members vary significantly based on their experience and tenure on the show, but new cast members generally earn around $7,000 per episode. Established veterans and featured players, however, can command upwards of $25,000 per episode, reflecting their contributions and star power.
The SNL Salary Structure: A Tiered System
SNL’s pay structure operates on a tiered system, rewarding loyalty and performance. New cast members, often referred to as featured players, start at the bottom of the rung, while long-standing veterans who have become synonymous with the show’s success negotiate much higher salaries. This model ensures that the show can afford to bring in fresh talent while also compensating those who have built their careers on the SNL stage. Understanding this tiered approach is crucial to comprehending the disparities in earnings.
The Rookie Rate: Starting at the Bottom
Typically, a brand new cast member on SNL starts with a per-episode salary of approximately $7,000. This translates to roughly $147,000 for a full season (21 episodes). This starting salary acknowledges the risk Lorne Michaels takes on unknown or lesser-known talents. While this might seem like a substantial sum, it’s important to remember the intense schedule, demanding workload, and pressure associated with performing live comedy on national television.
Moving Up the Ladder: Increased Compensation for Established Talent
As cast members gain experience and become integral parts of the show, their salaries increase significantly. After a few seasons, a mid-level cast member can earn between $15,000 and $25,000 per episode. This rise reflects their proven ability to deliver laughs, create memorable characters, and contribute to the overall success of the show. Successful negotiation with Lorne Michaels becomes key at this stage.
The Veterans’ Vault: Negotiating Power and Star Salaries
For SNL veterans, who have become household names and cultural icons, salaries can reach upwards of $25,000 per episode, potentially exceeding even that figure depending on their overall deal with NBC. These seasoned performers often have considerable negotiating power, leveraging their established fan base and comedic prowess to secure higher paychecks. Their presence is a draw for viewers, making them valuable assets to the show.
Factors Influencing SNL Cast Salaries
Several factors influence the amount an SNL cast member earns per episode:
- Experience and Tenure: As previously mentioned, longevity on the show is a major determinant of salary. Longer tenure generally equates to higher pay.
- Star Power and Recognition: Cast members who become breakout stars or build a significant following often command higher salaries due to their increased value to the show.
- Negotiation Skills: The ability to effectively negotiate with Lorne Michaels and the SNL producers is crucial for maximizing earnings.
- Contract Terms: Specific clauses in individual contracts can influence salaries, including bonuses, residuals, and other perks.
- Role and Usage: Cast members appearing in more sketches and holding prominent roles may be compensated accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SNL Cast Salaries
Here are twelve frequently asked questions addressing different facets of SNL cast earnings.
1. Does the head writer make more than the cast?
Generally, yes, the head writer of SNL typically makes more than a new cast member, and often more than mid-level cast members. The head writer’s responsibilities are significant, overseeing the writing team and shaping the overall comedic direction of the show. Their salary reflects this higher level of responsibility and experience.
2. Do SNL hosts get paid?
Yes, SNL hosts get paid, although their fee is generally lower than that of the regular cast members. The host’s primary function is to introduce the show and appear in sketches, rather than contributing to the writing process. The host’s compensation is typically around a flat fee, not a per-episode amount. The prestige of hosting often offsets the comparatively lower pay.
3. What are residuals, and do SNL cast members receive them?
Residuals are payments made to performers, writers, and other creatives when their work is re-aired or distributed through various platforms. SNL cast members may receive residuals for certain sketches or appearances, but the specific terms depend on their individual contracts and union agreements. Residuals are often a source of additional income, especially for popular sketches that are frequently replayed.
4. Is the SNL cast paid for summer reruns?
It depends on their contracts. Typically, primary cast members receive some form of compensation for the use of their performances in rerun episodes, though it’s usually less than their per-episode fee for a live show. This compensation is negotiated as part of their overall contract.
5. How does SNL compare to other late-night shows in terms of pay?
SNL’s pay structure is generally competitive with other late-night shows, especially for established performers. While exact figures vary, SNL’s established legacy and cultural impact often make it a desirable destination for comedic talent, allowing the show to attract and retain top performers.
6. How is SNL funded, and does that affect cast salaries?
SNL is primarily funded by NBC through advertising revenue and licensing agreements. The show’s profitability and overall budget directly impact the amount of money available for cast salaries. A successful season typically translates to greater financial flexibility for the show.
7. Do guest stars get paid the same as regular cast members?
No, guest stars typically receive a different rate than regular cast members. Their payment is negotiated on a per-appearance basis and is often lower than the per-episode salary of a seasoned SNL cast member. The compensation is typically based on their star power and the value they bring to a particular episode.
8. Are there any benefits beyond salary for SNL cast members?
Yes, SNL cast members often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and access to professional development opportunities. These benefits are typically part of their overall compensation package and contribute to the attractiveness of working on the show. Furthermore, the exposure gained from SNL is often invaluable for launching or furthering a career.
9. How do cast members negotiate their salaries on SNL?
Negotiation is key. Cast members typically work with agents and lawyers to negotiate their salaries with Lorne Michaels and the SNL producers. Factors such as experience, popularity, and the overall value they bring to the show are all considered during the negotiation process.
10. Do the celebrity impressions affect a cast member’s pay?
Yes, often. A cast member who develops a popular and recurring celebrity impression is a valuable asset to the show. This value gives them increased negotiating power for higher salaries because these successful impressions draw viewers.
11. Is there a union involved that protects SNL cast member wages?
Yes, SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, represents performers on SNL. The union helps to protect cast members’ rights, including ensuring fair wages, working conditions, and residuals payments. The union also negotiates a master agreement with NBC that covers many of the terms and conditions of employment for SNL cast members.
12. What is the highest salary ever paid to an SNL cast member per episode?
While specific figures are rarely disclosed, it’s widely believed that some of the most successful and long-standing SNL cast members have commanded salaries exceeding $25,000 per episode. Names like Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey (as both a performer and writer), and more recently, Kate McKinnon, are often cited as examples of those who have reached the highest earning potential. However, exact figures remain confidential due to contractual agreements.