Almost every actor I meet has big dreams of becoming a series regular on a TV show, or the lead in the blockbuster film franchise. Many of them dream about the big scenes, comfy trailer, and bigger opportunities, but few take the time to consider the realities of life and finances when you enter that arena. Spoiler alert: Most actors who get their first series regular gig are not instant millionaires…not even close.

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how much money are series regulars paid?

So how much does a Series Regular Actor get paid on TV?

• Let’s say you’re in all 22 episodes of a 30-minute TV show, and are on the base rate -- you’d be making $5,665.00 / Week which equals a total of $124,630 for 22 weeks of work.

• If you’re in all 22 episodes of a 1-hour TV show, and are on the base rate --  you’d make $9,064.00 / Week which equals a total of $199,408 for 22 weeks of work. 

Keep in mind that these are the SAG-AFTRA minimum rates for the network TV contracts specifically for the Series Regular/Main Role bracket. There are going to be nuances to these base rates depending on what kind of TV show it is, and where it lives (network, cable, streaming, new media, etc.). You’ll also obviously have different rates for Guest and Co-Star roles.

It’s also important to note that big name actors and celebrities are absolutely making much more than these base rates. Their agents can easily negotiate much higher rates because of the weight of the name, existing fanbase, and marketability that those celebrities bring to the table is perceived as additional value. Your agent might also be able to negotiate higher rates, depending on the specifics of who you are and the role you’ll be playing. 

What expenses do series regulars have?

So let’s just say for kicks and giggles that your agent was able to negotiate a higher weekly rate of $15,064. Yay you! That means that you’d make $331,408 for 22 weeks of work. 

Now we have to factor in payments for your team:

• 10% goes to your agent = $33,140

• 10% goes to your manager = $33,140

• 5% goes to your lawyer = $16,570

• 5% goes to your business manager = $16,570

So, once you pay your team you have $231,988 left. Now let’s factor in cost of living: 

• Rents can vary, but let’s say you’re paying $4,000 / mo for a nice but not too fancy place in one of the major markets = $48,000 per year (this could easily be higher if you want to invest in a nicer or larger property.)

• And as a busy series regular, you’ll want to factor in the additional travel / shooting on location / meetings and events you’ll have to attend in other cities, so we’ll tack on $1,000 / mo in fees for hotel accommodations and/or traveling. = $12,000 per year (this could also vary)

• Factor in groceries, home supplies, grooming and styling products, eating out & other daily living costs and you might end up spending = $18,000 per year

Subtract all these cost of living fees and you’ll end up at the $159,988 mark. 

Now, let’s be real, when you’re at the level of a series regular, you’re likely to have many more press junkets, networking events, talk shows, and potentially awards shows to attend. These marketing opportunities aren’t just for fun, showing up and making a good impression can help fuel your acting career further and create new opportunities for you. That means you have to take them seriously and prepare accordingly. Here are some of the common costs that might be associated with this arena:

• $2,000-$3,000 per month for a publicist & social media team, which totals to $36,000 per year

• $700 and $1,500 per event for a stylist & $1,000 for hair and makeup. Say you attend 20 events each year? That’ll cost you $50,000.

Your end total is around $73,988 and remember, that’s accounting for moderate regular cost-of-living spending.

$73,000 is certainly not a number to scoff at, but it’s probably not the millions and millions you might have imagined your favorite series regular had stashed in the bank. 

what can actors learn from this?

So what does this mean for actors? Well there are a few big takeaways:

1. Stop thinking of landing a series regular as the snap-your-fingers solution to all your problems as an actor. While yes, it is awesome, it won’t make you a millionaire overnight. Be prepared for new challenges at every level of this business. 

2. Now is the time to start thinking of how to generate multiple streams of income. You could have a series regular role one year and then a few years of no bookings. You just don’t know! Multiple streams of income help you avoid ending up in a scary spot financially. This could look like buying property, starting a side business, investing, and beyond. 

3. Learn from the deductions that are taken from that series regular salary. Remember all the people who you’d have to pay? Those are people who help you continue to find, book, and wow at new opportunities. While it might be at a smaller scale for you now, it’s equally important to make sure that you’re investing in a quality team. Don’t skimp and take the supposed shortcuts on things that will help you make moves in your career.