How Much Does a Netflix Actor/Actress Earn? Top 10 Highest-Paid Stars

Netflix offers some of the largest shows with the biggest superstars, so it's no surprise that the stars of the streaming service's most successful productions are well compensated. So, which celebrity comes out on top, and what are some of their most amazing earnings?

Top 10 Highest Paid Netflix Stars 2024/2025

How do actors/actresses get paid for movies?

Let us start with the basics: What is the basis for each individual contract, episodic or film? You probably think the answer is related to the size of your paycheck. Well, size does not always important. Unless you're a mega-star, your salary will be dependent on something more relative: time. All of these bargains are based on how long you have to work.

Now let's talk about schedules. The fundamental distinction between episodic and film work is the amount of time required to complete the end output. Network dramas such as "NCIS" are filmed in eight days. Comedies and television shows require slightly less than that. However, movies are a different breed. Depending on the budget and scope, a feature film shoot can last a few weeks for an independent film or many months for a major studio production.

Keeping all of this in mind, the type of agreement you sign when booking a movie will be determined by how long they require your services. This is why all three fundamental contracts are time-based.

Daily film contracts: If your role is modest and can be completed in less than a week, production will place you on a daily contract and guarantee the number of days you'll be required. Unless you have quotes, you will most likely be paid on a scale + 10% commission. But here's where it becomes interesting: Assume they buy you for two days at $1,500 per day. That's $3,000 guaranteed, even if they shoot you on the first day. If production requires you to work longer hours than the two you were promised, you will be paid an additional $1,500 per day.

Weekly Film Contracts: Your part is larger for this contract, and they require you for at least five days, therefore production will place you on a weekly contract and guarantee the amount of weeks you will be needed. Unless you have those priceless quotes, you will most likely be paid scale plus 10%. And here's the best part: if you work one week and one day, they will pay you for two weeks!

Run-of-the-mill movie contracts: First things first: congratulations! You've booked a lead or a key supporting role, and production requires you from beginning to end. This means they'll pay you in one big payment for the full session. The union's Schedule F contract promises a minimum of $65,000 for run-of-the-mill deals, which can be negotiated higher depending on the length of the shoot. (Small indies will offer you a weekly contract.) Naturally, you cannot accept any other work at this time because production requires you to be entirely available at all times.

There are more variations on movie contracts, but these are the fundamentals. Once you've negotiated the schedule and your salary, there are additional deal points to iron out—the big ones are billing and your dressing room, and if the film is shot on location, travel and lodging must also be arranged.

How much does a Netflix actor/actress make?

As of May 2024, the average hourly rate for a Netflix Actor in the United States is $22.23.

While ZipRecruiter reports hourly wages as high as $54.57 and as low as $5.29, the majority of Netflix Actor salaries presently vary from $11.06 (25th percentile) to $43.75 (75th percentile) across the US. The typical pay range for a Netflix Actor varies substantially (by up to $32.69), indicating that there may be numerous prospects for promotion and higher income based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Top 10 Highest Paid Netflix Stars 2024/2025

1. Leonardo DiCaprio – Net worth: $30 million per role

If not for the Oscar incident, Will Smith would have been Netflix's highest-paid actor. However, that honor is reserved for Mark Wahlberg and Leonardo DiCaprio, who worked with the streaming service on Adam McKay's apocalyptic comedy Don't Look Up. According to Indie Wire, DiCaprio reportedly received a stunning $30 million for his role in the picture.

2. Ryan Reynolds - $27 million

Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock's co-star in The Proposal, also made a lot of money on Netflix. He appeared in the action flick Red Notice, alongside Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. According to Variety, Reynolds earned $20 million for the global action blockbuster.

However, his highest salary from the platform was for his role in Michael Bay's 6 Underground. According to Variety, the actor earned $27 million for the picture. Ryan Reynolds continues to work with Netflix, producing and starring in The Adam Project.

3. Dwayne Johnson – $27 million

Dwayne Johnson is one of the world's most well-known performers, with a net worth of more than $800 million. Variety said that the actor was paid the same as his co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot in the film Red Notice, with an upfront compensation of $20 million. However, he is likely to make more because he is also the film's producer.

4. Gal Gadot - $27 million

Gal Gadot got $27 million for her performance in "Red Notice," which puts her on par with co-stars Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds. This payment reflects her rising status in Hollywood, following her breakthrough depiction of Wonder Woman.

Netflix's willingness to pay large sums to high-profile celebrities such as Gal Gadot demonstrates their dedication to creating content with broad appeal. Her role in "Red Notice" contributes to the film's status as a blockbuster on the streaming site.

5. Mark Wahlberg - $27 million

Mark Wahlberg ranked third among the world's highest-paid actors, earning $58 million. His performance in the Netflix film "Spenser Confidential" was essential in his profits, demonstrating the actor's continued significance in the industry. Wahlberg's fortune is not solely due to his success on the big screen; his investments in Wahlburgers and F45 Training reflect his financial prowess outside of Hollywood.

6. Will Smith - $27 million

Will Smith, one of the world's most popular performers, teamed with the streaming service on the David Ayer-directed fantasy action picture Bright. According to insiders at The Hollywood Reporter, he received $27 million for his role in the action flick.

Netflix reportedly offered Smith a $35 million salary for a sequel, the highest offer any actor had gotten from the streaming service. But, following Will Smith's iconic slapping episode at the Oscars, the platform has withdrawn its offer.

7. Jennifer Lawrence - $25 million

Jennifer Lawrence was paid $25 million for her role in the film "Don't Look Up," in which she costarred with Leonardo DiCaprio. This film is an important element of Netflix's portfolio, demonstrating their capacity to attract top-tier talent for socially meaningful projects.

Lawrence's presence added star power to the film, ensuring that it reached a large audience and sparked important talks about climate change. Netflix uses her performance and her position to boost the popularity and impact of its original films.

READ MORE: How To Download Movies & Shows From Netflix To Watch Offline

8. Chris Hemsworth – $20 million

Chris Hemsworth earned over $20 million for his role in "Extraction," a high-octane action thriller that was extremely successful on Netflix. His performance considerably increased the film's global appeal, displaying his ability to captivate foreign audiences.

Hemsworth's involvement demonstrates Netflix's commitment to produce content that resonates with a worldwide audience, hence broadening their reach. "Extraction" has been so successful that a sequel is in the works, demonstrating the lucrative interaction generated by high-profile performers on the streaming platform.

9. Robert De Niro - $20 million

For his role in Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed picture "The Irishman," Robert De Niro earned $20 million. This film, which included top-tier talent and production quality comparable to major studio films, exemplifies Netflix's investment in premium programming.

De Niro's performance was critical in lending authenticity and weight to the historical narrative. "The Irishman" not only drew a large audience but also garnered multiple prizes, showcasing Netflix's prowess in creating award-worthy programming.

READ MORE: Top 10 Best K-Dramas to Stream on Netflix Right Now

10. Ben Affleck - $19 million

Ben Affleck received $19 million for his performance in the action-adventure thriller "Triple Frontier," which tackles themes of loyalty and redemption. Affleck's involvement drew a lot of attention to the film, and he used his celebrity to reach a large audience. The film's popularity demonstrates Netflix's capacity to create cinematic-quality movies that are available straight from users' homes. "Triple Frontier" not only entertained a large audience, but also showed how streaming services are changing film distribution and consumption.

Conclusion

Here, we look at the highest-paid performers on Netflix, who have not only earned big bucks but also contributed to some of the most intriguing content on the platform. In the fast changing streaming media industry, Netflix has emerged as a powerhouse, recruiting top talent with competitive and often eye-watering wages.

The attractiveness of Netflix stems not only from its vast worldwide reach, but also from the creative flexibility it provides to both actors and producers. This has allowed the platform to snag some of Hollywood's most recognizable celebrities for a wide range of productions, from action-packed thrillers to introspective dramas. As a result, Netflix has had a significant impact on how performers get rewarded in the age of digital streaming.

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