Since its debut on NBC in October 1975, Saturday Night Live has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of countless comedic stars. From Adam Sandler and Eddie Murphy to Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, SNL has been a springboard for some of the biggest names in comedy. This begs the question: How much do Saturday Night Live cast members make? The answer might surprise you.
SNL Cast Salaries: A Tiered System
In a revealing interview with New York Magazine, Pete Davidson and Jason Sudeikis offered insights into the financial realities of being on SNL. Pete disclosed that SNL cast members initially make $3,000 per episode, which translates to $60,000 for a 20-episode season (as seen in season 49 from 2023-2024).
Jason echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that early SNL paychecks aren’t exactly extravagant. “I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases. So, I think New York rent was probably the biggest purchase I made after writing my first year on SNL.“
While Pete provided a specific figure, StyleCaster and Celebrity Net Worth offer a more detailed breakdown of the SNL salary structure. The show employs a tiered system based on seniority.
- Featured Players (First Season): Reportedly earn $7,000 per episode, totaling $147,000 for a 21-episode season.
- Second-Year Cast Members: Receive a slight raise to $8,000 per episode, amounting to $168,000 per season.
- Fifth-Season Cast Members: Can command up to $15,000 per episode, reaching $315,000 per season.
Who is the Highest Paid SNL Cast Member?
The title of highest-paid SNL cast member belongs to Kenan Thompson, the show’s longest-running performer.
According to Parade, while his exact salary remains undisclosed, it’s estimated that he earns around $2 to $3 million per year, potentially making $95,238 per episode. This substantial figure reflects his remarkable longevity and contribution to the show’s success.
More Than Just the Paycheck
Despite the tiered salary system, Kenan Thompson acknowledged the relatively modest pay for many SNL cast members. As he told Variety in December 2024, the true value of being on SNL extends beyond the financial compensation.
“It’s pretty notorious that it’s more so about having the job than getting paid for the job,” he stated. “You gotta pay your dues a little bit, yeah.”
In conclusion, while Saturday Night Live might not make its cast members millionaires overnight (with the exception of veterans like Kenan Thompson), the show offers an unparalleled platform for comedic talent to hone their skills, gain exposure, and ultimately launch successful careers. The experience and opportunities gained often outweigh the initial financial constraints.
