How Much Do the Stranger Things Cast Get Paid
Stranger Things is one of Netflix’s biggest global hits, and with its success has come skyrocketing salaries for its young stars and veteran cast members. But how much do the actors actually earn per episode? In this guide, we break down the salary tiers, what influences cast pay, and how these earnings compare to other major streaming shows.
Reports indicate that Stranger Things actors now earn among the highest salaries in the streaming world, particularly as the series moves into later seasons. Netflix has invested heavily in the franchise, and the cast salaries reflect the show’s status as one of the platform’s flagship productions.
What Is the Salary of the Stranger Things Cast?
According to industry reports, the main cast members of Stranger Things earn between $200,000 and $750,000 per episode, depending on seniority, character prominence and renegotiated contracts.
Main Cast Salary Estimates
- Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers) - approx. $350,000 to $450,000 per episode.
- David Harbour (Jim Hopper) - approx. $350,000 to $450,000 per episode.
- Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) - widely reported to earn up to $750,000 per episode due to her leading role and rising film career.
- Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp - approx. $200,000 to $300,000 per episode.
These salaries place the Stranger Things ensemble near the top tier of TV earnings, especially for actors of their age.
How Is Actor Pay Determined for Stranger Things?
Several factors influence how much Stranger Things cast members earn, similar to other major streaming productions:
Experience and Star Power
Millie Bobby Brown commands one of the highest salaries due to her central role and growing profile in Hollywood, including Enola Holmes and Godzilla.
Lead vs. Supporting Roles
Winona Ryder and David Harbour earn higher rates as established stars with decades of experience and prominent roles in the story.
Contract Length and Show Success
As Stranger Things grew in global popularity, cast members renegotiated salaries to reflect increased viewership and cultural impact.
Netflix Budget and Strategy
Stranger Things is one of Netflix’s largest-budget productions, and actor pay reflects this major investment in prestige programming.
How Do Stranger Things Salaries Compare to Other Streaming Series?
Cast salaries for Stranger Things are comparable to those on other top-tier streaming shows:
- The Boys - $200,000 to $500,000 per episode for top actors.
- The Witcher - Henry Cavill reportedly earned around $400,000 per episode.
- Wednesday - Jenna Ortega’s salary expected to rise significantly in future seasons.
Stranger Things remains one of Netflix’s most expensive productions, and its cast salaries reflect the show's high revenue potential and cultural impact.
Do Stranger Things Actors Earn Royalties?
Like most streaming productions, Stranger Things actors do not earn traditional TV royalties or syndication residuals. Instead, Netflix typically pays higher up-front salaries to compensate for the lack of long-term residual income.
Major stars may negotiate bonuses or performance-related incentives based on viewership, awards or season milestones.
Additional Ways the Cast Are Compensated
Beyond salaries, Stranger Things actors may receive:
- Travel and accommodation coverage while filming.
- Bonuses for major achievements or viewership milestones.
- Profit participation (rare, but possible for top-tier actors).
How Does the Stranger Things Cast Salary Compare to Film Actors?
While Stranger Things salaries are impressive, they do not reach Hollywood blockbuster levels. A-list film stars can earn $20 million or more per film. However, TV and streaming roles offer long-term stability across multiple seasons.
Conclusion: How Much Do Stranger Things Actors Really Earn?
Stranger Things cast salaries range from $200,000 to as high as $750,000 per episode for leading roles. The show’s global success, growing cast popularity and Netflix’s high production budgets have all contributed to these rising figures. As the series enters its later seasons, cast earnings are likely to remain among the highest in the streaming world.
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