Scott and SadiePete Davidson, the king of awkward charm and questionable tattoos, has peeled back the curtain on Saturday Night Live salaries—and let’s just say, they aren’t exactly rolling in Scrooge McDuck money. In a recent revelation, Davidson shared that SNL cast members earn around $3,000 per episode. Yep, you read that right. The show that spawned cultural icons and makes NBC millions pays its cast less than your average influencer’s sponsored Instagram post.
Breaking Down the Numbers
With a season typically running 18 to 22 episodes, that adds up to about $54,000 to $66,000 per year for a newbie cast member. To put that into perspective, the average New York City rent is roughly $4,000 a month. So, if you’re an SNL cast member just starting out, you can maybe afford rent… as long as you don’t also eat, commute, or splurge on luxuries like heat.
First Paychecks, First Splurges
Davidson joked that his first SNL paycheck barely covered a dinner. Other cast members have shared equally underwhelming tales, with initial “splurges” including luxury items like uncomfortable couches and high-end sneakers. Because nothing screams, “I made it in comedy!” like a designer chair that hurts your back.
The Show Must Go On
Here’s the kicker: this isn’t some obscure indie gig. This is Saturday Night Freakin’ Live—the legendary institution that’s been pumping out comedy for nearly 50 years. The same show that charges millions for ad spots during its broadcast. The same show that helped launch the careers of Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and countless other comedic legends. And yet, the paychecks don’t exactly reflect the prestige.
Why the Low Pay?
The show’s structure doesn’t leave much room for fat paychecks. Most of the budget likely goes toward production costs, guest stars, and Lorne Michaels’ apparently bulletproof fountain of youth. Plus, the expectation is that SNL serves as a launching pad. You’re not there to make money—you’re there to make a name for yourself, so you can eventually get a Netflix special or a Marvel movie deal.
Final Thoughts
So, while Davidson and his fellow cast members might not have gotten rich from their SNL gigs, they did get something arguably more valuable: a platform to hustle their way into bigger, better paydays. But still, $3,000 an episode? Come on, NBC. At least throw in free snacks.
