Search

What is the salary of Saturday Night Live cast members? Pete Davidson discloses a 'modest amount'.

Saturday Night Live has served as a launchpad for many of the most prominent figures in comedy throughout the years. But what is the salary for the cast members who contribute to the show?

Pete Davidson was a cast member on the show from 2014 until 2022.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Pete Davidson was a cast member on the show from 2014 until 2022.

Former Saturday Night Live (SNL) star Pete Davidson has revealed that he was paid a mere $3,000 per episode during his stint on the show. The comedian, who graced the NBC show from 2014 to 2022, spilled the beans about the modest earnings of new cast members in an interview with New York magazine.

When asked about his biggest splurge during his first season, the 31 year old quipped: "Do you guys know what they pay us? It's like three grand an episode, so I think I got dinner!"

If Davidson's assertion is accurate, new participants earn between $54,000 and $66,000 each year for their roles in 18 to 22 episodes.

During the same conversation, Jason Sudeikis, who was part of SNL from 2005 to 2013, admitted that he had to be very careful with his finances while working on the show. He noted, "Honestly, you don't earn enough to make any significant buys. I think the most considerable expense I had in my first year writing for SNL was probably my New York rent." Meanwhile, current SNL cast member James Austin Johnson revealed that he spent his first paycheck on "the most uncomfortable West Elm couch ever," humorously adding, "I swear, it's like sitting on bricks."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who was part of the cast from 1982 to 1985, admitted to splurging on a pair of shoes that cost her a whopping $75, reports the Express US.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, new participants on the show are reportedly earning $7,000 for each episode.

Sarah Silverman, who was part of SNL from 1993 to 1994, shared that she celebrated her first paycheck by splurging on a $300 cashmere sweater.

As per Celebrity Net Worth, new cast members on the show currently make $7,000 for each episode, amounting to $147,000 over a 21-episode season. Additionally, it has been noted that those in their second year receive a $1,000 increase per episode, while fifth-year cast members earn $15,000 each episode, bringing their total earnings to approximately $315,000 for an entire season.

According to reports, NBC has a salary limit of $25,000 per episode, totaling $525,000 for an entire season. However, Kenan Thompson, a cast member since 2003, is thought to be an exception, with his annual earnings estimated to range from $2 million to $3 million.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and receive the latest headlines directly in your inbox!

DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.