The Highest-Paid TV Actors Per Episode (Ranked)

The world of television has evolved dramatically, with streaming services and blockbuster series leading to salaries that rival those of major movie stars. For top-tier actors on the most popular shows, a single episode can translate into a paycheck worth millions. This financial success is often the result of a show’s immense popularity, leading to lucrative contract renegotiations.

This list explores the staggering amounts that television’s biggest names have earned for each episode of their most iconic shows. From beloved sitcom stars to the leads of epic dramas, these figures highlight the immense value networks and streaming platforms place on the talent that keeps audiences coming back for more. The salaries are presented in ascending order, showcasing the incredible financial heights achieved in the television industry.

Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, and Doris Roberts – Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)

The supporting cast of the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond saw their salaries increase significantly over the show’s successful run. Brad Garrett, who played Ray’s brother Robert, Patricia Heaton, who portrayed Ray’s wife Debra, and Doris Roberts, who played Ray’s mother Marie, were all earning a substantial amount by the final seasons. Their pay was a result of the show’s enduring popularity and their integral roles in its comedic dynamic.

Reports indicate that in the later seasons, Garrett, Heaton, and Roberts were each earning around $250,000 per episode. This came after a notable cast walkout where they held out for better pay, a move that ultimately proved successful. Their increased salaries reflected their value to the long-running and highly-rated comedy series.

The Main Child Cast of Stranger Things (2016–)

The young actors at the heart of the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things have seen their salaries grow with the show’s massive success. Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp, who portray the core group of friends, started with more modest television salaries. However, as the show became a global hit, their paychecks increased substantially.

By the third season, the four young male leads were reportedly earning around $250,000 per episode. This significant raise was a reflection of their central role in the popular series and their growing fame. Their co-star Sadie Sink, who joined in the second season, was also earning a similar amount by the third season.

Melissa McBride – The Walking Dead (2010–2022)

Melissa McBride, who played the resilient Carol Peletier on The Walking Dead, became one of the show’s highest-paid actors. Her character’s evolution from a timid survivor to a formidable leader was a central part of the long-running zombie drama. This transformation and her fan-favorite status led to significant salary increases over the show’s tenure.

In the later seasons, McBride was reportedly earning $300,000 per episode. This substantial salary was part of a larger deal she signed with AMC, which also included potential earnings from spin-off shows. Her pay reflected her importance to the enduringly popular franchise.

Sean Murray – NCIS (2003–)

Sean Murray, who portrays Special Agent Timothy McGee on the long-running procedural NCIS, has become one of the show’s top earners. Having been with the series since its first season, his character has grown from a recurring role to a central member of the team. His longevity and importance to the show have been reflected in his salary.

In recent years, Murray’s per-episode salary is reported to be around $300,000. This makes him one of the highest-paid cast members on the popular crime drama, which has consistently been a ratings success for CBS.

Millie Bobby Brown – Stranger Things (2016–)

Millie Bobby Brown, the breakout star of Stranger Things, has commanded an impressive salary for her role as the telekinetic Eleven. Her portrayal of the powerful and vulnerable character quickly made her a household name and a central figure in the popular Netflix series. As her fame grew, so did her per-episode pay.

For the third season of Stranger Things, Brown’s salary was reportedly around $300,000 to $350,000 per episode. This placed her among the highest earners in the cast, reflecting her critical role in the show’s success and her status as a rising star in Hollywood.

David Harbour and Winona Ryder – Stranger Things (2016–)

The adult stars of Stranger Things, David Harbour and Winona Ryder, have also commanded high salaries for their roles. Harbour plays the protective police chief Jim Hopper, while Ryder portrays the determined mother Joyce Byers. As veteran actors anchoring the popular series, their pay reflects their experience and the show’s success.

For the third season, both Harbour and Ryder were reportedly earning $350,000 per episode. This placed them in the top tier of the show’s cast salaries, a testament to their importance in the critically acclaimed Netflix series.

The Main Adult Cast of Modern Family (2009–2020)

The ensemble cast of the hit comedy Modern Family enjoyed significant salaries, particularly in the later seasons of the show’s successful 11-year run. The six main adult actors—Ed O’Neill, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Eric Stonestreet—negotiated their contracts together, ensuring they all received substantial pay raises as the show’s popularity soared.

By the final seasons, each of the six adult leads was earning a reported $500,000 per episode. This collective bargaining strategy, similar to the one used by the cast of Friends, resulted in them becoming some of the highest-paid actors on television at the time.

Mark Harmon – NCIS (2003–)

As the long-time lead of the highly successful procedural NCIS, Mark Harmon commanded one of the highest salaries in television. For 19 seasons, he played the stoic and respected Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. His central role and the show’s consistent high ratings made him a very valuable asset to CBS.

Harmon’s per-episode salary was reportedly $525,000. In addition to his acting salary, he also had a producer credit and a share of the show’s profits, significantly increasing his overall earnings from the popular crime drama.

Andrew Lincoln – The Walking Dead (2010–2022)

As the original protagonist of The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes was central to the show’s early success. His journey from a small-town sheriff to a hardened survivor was the heart of the zombie apocalypse drama for many seasons. His importance to the show was reflected in his salary, which grew significantly over time.

Before his departure from the series, Lincoln was reportedly earning $618,000 per episode. This made him one of the highest-paid actors on the show and in cable television at the time, a testament to his leading role in the global phenomenon.

Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)

Jon Cryer, who played the perpetually down-on-his-luck Alan Harper for the entire run of Two and a Half Men, earned a substantial salary for his role. As the constant in a show that saw a major casting change, his comedic timing and chemistry with his co-stars were crucial to the sitcom’s long-term success.

In the later seasons of the show, Cryer was reportedly earning around $620,000 per episode. This made him one of the highest-paid actors on television, even if his salary was less than his co-star Charlie Sheen’s at its peak.

Ashton Kutcher – Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)

When Ashton Kutcher joined the cast of Two and a Half Men in its ninth season, he stepped into a high-pressure role, replacing the departed Charlie Sheen. As the new lead, Walden Schmidt, Kutcher brought a different energy to the popular sitcom and helped to continue its successful run for several more seasons.

Kutcher commanded a high salary for his work, reportedly earning around $750,000 per episode. This made him one of the highest-paid actors on television during his time on the show, reflecting his star power and the continued ratings success of the series.

Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999–)

As the enduring heart of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Captain Olivia Benson for over two decades. Her dedication to the role and the show’s incredible longevity have made her one of the highest-paid actors in television history. The series has been a consistent ratings powerhouse for NBC.

Hargitay reportedly earns an estimated $750,000 per episode. In addition to her acting salary, she also serves as an executive producer on the long-running crime drama, which further adds to her impressive earnings from the iconic show.

The Main Cast of The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

The five original main cast members of The Big Bang Theory—Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, and Kunal Nayyar—became some of the highest-paid actors in television history. As the show grew into a ratings giant, their salaries skyrocketed. They famously negotiated their contracts together, ensuring pay equality among the original five.

In the later seasons, Parsons, Galecki, and Cuoco were each earning $1 million per episode. Helberg and Nayyar reached the same $1 million per episode figure in the final seasons. This collective bargaining power made them television’s top earners for several years.

The Main Cast of Friends (1994–2004)

The six main actors from the iconic sitcom Friends set a precedent in television for cast salary negotiations. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer famously banded together to ensure they were all paid equally. As the show’s popularity reached global phenomenon status, so did their paychecks.

For the final two seasons of the show, each of the six main cast members was earning a groundbreaking $1 million per episode. This landmark deal made them the highest-paid television actors of their time and set a new standard for ensemble casts.

Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt – Mad About You (1992–1999, 2019)

The stars of the popular 1990s sitcom Mad About You, Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt, saw their salaries soar as the show became a staple of NBC’s “Must See TV” lineup. Their on-screen chemistry as a married couple navigating life in New York City was a huge draw for audiences. Their value to the network was reflected in their pay for the show’s later seasons.

In the final season of the original run, both Reiser and Hunt were earning a reported $1 million per episode. This was a significant increase from their earlier salaries and placed them among the highest-paid television actors at the time.

Jerry Seinfeld – Seinfeld (1989–1998)

As the co-creator and star of the legendary sitcom Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld became one of the highest-paid actors in television history. The show, often described as being “about nothing,” was a cultural phenomenon and a massive ratings success for NBC. Seinfeld’s unique brand of observational humor was at the core of the show’s appeal.

By the final season of Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld was earning a then-unprecedented $1 million per episode. This figure solidified his status as a television icon and reflected the immense profitability of the show he helped create.

James Gandolfini – The Sopranos (1999–2007)

James Gandolfini’s portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano in HBO’s groundbreaking series The Sopranos is considered one of the greatest performances in television history. The show’s critical acclaim and cultural impact were immense, and Gandolfini’s central role was key to its success. His salary in the later seasons reflected his iconic status.

For the final season of The Sopranos, Gandolfini was reportedly earning $1 million per episode. This came after a series of contract renegotiations that mirrored the power struggles his character faced on screen, solidifying his position as one of TV’s top earners.

Tim Allen – Home Improvement (1991–1999)

As the star of the hugely popular 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, Tim Allen became one of the highest-paid actors on television. His role as the accident-prone but well-meaning Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor was a hit with audiences, making the show a flagship program for ABC.

For the final season of the series, Allen was earning a reported $1.25 million per episode. This massive salary was a testament to his star power and the show’s consistent high ratings throughout its eight-season run.

The Main Cast of Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

The principal actors of the HBO epic Game of Thrones saw their salaries skyrocket as the show became a global sensation. The five main cast members at the end of the series—Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, and Kit Harington—negotiated their contracts together for the final seasons.

By the eighth and final season, each of these five actors was reportedly earning $1.2 million per episode. This made them among the highest-paid actors on television, a reflection of the show’s massive budget and worldwide popularity.

Kevin Costner – Yellowstone (2018–)

As the patriarch of the Dutton family in the modern-day Western drama Yellowstone, Kevin Costner brings major star power to the small screen. His role as John Dutton has been a key factor in the show’s immense popularity and its status as a ratings juggernaut for the Paramount Network.

For the later seasons of Yellowstone, Costner’s per-episode salary is reported to be $1.3 million. This substantial paycheck makes him one of the highest-paid actors currently on television, reflecting his value to the hit series.

Chris Pratt – The Terminal List (2022–)

Movie star Chris Pratt made a high-profile return to television with the action-thriller series The Terminal List. In the Amazon Prime Video show, he plays a Navy SEAL who investigates a conspiracy. Pratt’s established box-office appeal and leading-man status commanded a significant salary for the project.

Pratt reportedly earned $1.4 million per episode for the first season of The Terminal List. This figure places him in the upper echelon of television actor salaries, demonstrating the lucrative deals streaming services are willing to make for big-name talent.

Kelsey Grammer – Frasier (1993–2004)

Kelsey Grammer’s portrayal of the pompous but lovable psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane spanned two successful sitcoms, Cheers and its spin-off Frasier. The latter became a massive hit in its own right, running for 11 seasons and earning numerous awards. Grammer’s iconic role made him one of the highest-paid actors in television history.

For the final two seasons of Frasier, Grammer was earning a reported $1.6 million per episode. This impressive salary was a reflection of his long-running success and the show’s enduring popularity with audiences.

Ray Romano – Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)

As the star and a producer of the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano became the highest-paid actor on television during the show’s run. His relatable portrayal of a sportswriter and family man living on Long Island struck a chord with viewers, making the show a ratings giant for CBS.

At the peak of the show’s success, Romano was earning a staggering $1.8 million per episode. This landmark salary was a result of the show’s immense profitability and his central role in its creation and success.

Charlie Sheen – Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)

During his time on the hit CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, Charlie Sheen was the highest-paid actor on television. His portrayal of the hedonistic jingle writer Charlie Harper was the centerpiece of the show for eight seasons, leading to massive ratings and syndication deals.

At the height of his fame, Sheen negotiated a salary of $1.8 million per episode. This made him the top earner in television by a significant margin at the time, though his tenure on the show ended in a well-publicized departure.

Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show (2019–)

Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, command massive salaries for their roles in the Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show. As both lead actresses and executive producers on the high-profile series, their paychecks reflect their star power and their integral roles in the show’s creation and success.

Both Witherspoon and Aniston reportedly earn an incredible $2 million per episode for their work on the series. This makes them among the highest-paid performers in television history, setting a new standard for A-list talent in the streaming era.

Robert Downey Jr. – The Sympathizer (2024)

Robert Downey Jr., one of the world’s biggest movie stars, made a highly anticipated return to television in the HBO series The Sympathizer. For his multiple roles in the satirical spy thriller, the acclaimed actor commanded a salary that reflects his immense box-office drawing power and prestige.

Downey reportedly earned $2 million per episode for his work on the series. This figure places him at the very top of television actor salaries, a testament to his star status and the high-profile nature of the project.

Sarah Jessica Parker – Sex and the City (1998–2004)

As the iconic fashionista and columnist Carrie Bradshaw in HBO’s Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker became one of the highest-paid actresses in television history. Her role was central to the show’s cultural impact and critical acclaim. As she took on a producer role in later seasons, her earnings increased significantly.

For the final three seasons of the groundbreaking series, Parker was reportedly earning an astounding $3.2 million per episode. This staggering figure was a result of her combined salary as both the lead actress and an executive producer on the highly successful show.