The Average Salary of Contestants on Reality Shows

When it comes to reality television, for some contestants, it's about the experience, not the money. A full-time actor on a situation comedy will earn at least $25,000 per episode, as required by the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG). Reality television contestants are not regulated by SAG nor do they have celebrity status. Therefore, most contestants do not earn salary. Instead, the winner may receive an opportunity for a modeling contract, fashion line, cash or the prize of love.

Salaries

• There are two types of contestants on reality television shows: unknown actors and celebrities. Career Builder reports that the general industry average for reality celebrities is $10,000-$25,000 per episode. The cast of "Dancing with the Stars" makes $125,000 as a base salary, $10,000 for each week they stay on and up to $50,000 in the final weeks. Unfamiliar actors, such as the cast of "Big Brother," may receive a salary of $750 for each week they stay in the house.

Union

• Professional talent work under union guidelines that protect salaries, work hours and benefits. The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) states that a performer who speaks five lines or less on a one-hour show, must be paid at least $422. In 2007, the final 12 contestants on American Idol went from being amateur singers to professionals. AFTRA required show producers to pay contestants a minimum of $921 for each appearance on the one-hour show.

Benefits

• Not all contestants receive a salary. Contestants on "The Bachelor" receive benefits of honorariums for living expenses, including all the food and alcohol they want. For the show's theme of the week, contestants also receive gifts such as monogrammed suitcases, designer sunglasses, makeup products, "Bachelorette" embroidered robes, mini hand-held digital recorders, jeans, designer gowns and dresses.

Considerations

• While the salary for a reality television show contestant may not be impressive, the participation could bring later opportunities of fame through endorsements, television and radio appearances, potential speaking engagements or even a break in acting. Elisabeth Hasselbeck from "Survivor" has been a co-host on "The View" for several years. "Snooki" and "The Situation" from "Jersey Shore" are writing a book and endorsing dietary products.

Alternatives

• Some of Donald Trump's "apprentices" have investments working for them to be able to afford being a contestant on a reality television show. For those contestants, it may be worth trying to earn a $250,000 salary. For others, it may not be worth a "leave of absence" if their regular job is their sole income.