Understanding Actor Pay Rates in 2025
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, understanding current actor pay rates is crucial for both producers and performers. In 2025, several updates have been made to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) agreements, impacting compensation structures across various media formats.
SAG-AFTRA Theatrical Rates
For theatrical productions with budgets exceeding $2 million, the following minimum rates are effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026:
- Day Performers: $1,246 per day
- Weekly Performers: $4,326 per week
These rates apply to films shot entirely within the United States. Productions with lower budgets may qualify for different agreements, such as the Low Budget or Ultra Low Budget agreements, each with its own rate structures.
Television Agreements
Television actor pay rates are determined by factors including the number of episodes and episode length. Key rates for 2025 include:
Performers in Single Episodes
- Day Rate: $1,246 per day
- Three-Day Rate: $3,157 per three-day period
- Weekly Rate: $4,326 per week
Major Role Performers in Single Episodes
- Half-Hour Program: $6,853 per week
- One-Hour Program: $10,965 per week
Series Regulars in Half-Hour Programs
- 13 out of 13 Episodes: $4,326 per week
- 7-12 Episodes: $4,952 per week
- 6 Episodes: $5,774 per week
Series Regulars in One-Hour Programs
- 13 out of 13 Episodes: $5,205 per week
- 7-12 Episodes: $5,807 per week
- 6 Episodes: $6,792 per week
These rates are valid from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Commercials Contracts
The 2025 Commercials Contracts introduce annual increases to wages and use fees:
- Year One: 5% increase
- Year Two: 4% increase
- Year Three: 3% increase
With compounding, these increases result in a total gain of 12.5% over the three-year period. Additionally, the pension and health contribution rate has increased by 3.5%, from 20.5% to 23.5%.
Interactive Media Agreements
For interactive media, including video games and virtual reality experiences, the 2025 rates are:
- Day Rate: $1,102 per day
- Weekly Rate: $3,825.25 per week
These rates apply to performers based on the type of role and session duration.
Low Budget Agreements
For productions with lower budgets, SAG-AFTRA offers specific agreements:
- Ultra Low Budget Agreement: Daily rate of $125
- Modified Low Budget Agreement: Daily rate of $335
- Low Budget Agreement: Daily rate of $630
These rates reflect a 25% increase from previous agreements, aiming to provide fair compensation while accommodating budget constraints.
New Media Agreements
For projects intended for online platforms with budgets between $50,000 and $1,000,000, the New Media Agreement applies. For budgets under $250,000, performers are paid at 20% of the basic agreement scale.
Common Questions About Actor Pay Rates
- How are actor pay rates determined? Pay rates are set by SAG-AFTRA agreements, considering factors like production type, budget, role, and duration.
- Do pay rates differ between film and television? Yes, rates vary based on the medium, with specific agreements for theatrical, television, and new media productions.
- Are there different rates for lead and supporting roles? Yes, lead roles often command higher rates, especially in television where “major role performers” have distinct pay scales.
- How do budget tiers affect pay rates? Lower-budget productions may qualify for agreements with reduced minimum rates, such as the Ultra Low Budget Agreement.
- What are residuals? Residuals are additional payments to actors for reruns, syndication, or distribution beyond the initial release.
- Do non-union productions have set pay rates? Non-union productions are not bound by SAG-AFTRA rates but may negotiate pay individually.
- How often do SAG-AFTRA rates change? Rates are typically updated annually or during new contract negotiations.
- Are there special rates for student or independent films? Yes, SAG-AFTRA offers agreements like the Student Film Agreement with modified rates.
- What is the difference between day and weekly rates? Day rates apply to single-day engagements, while weekly rates cover longer commitments, often at a reduced daily rate.
- How do I become eligible for SAG-AFTRA rates? Eligibility requires membership in SAG-AFTRA, typically achieved through qualifying work in union productions.
Understanding these rates and agreements is essential for ensuring fair compensation and compliance within the industry. For detailed information, refer to the official SAG-AFTRA resources and consult with union representatives as needed.
