How Much Do Background Actors Get Paid? Explain in Detail

Discover how much do background actors get paid, including rates, factors affecting earnings, and tips to maximize income in the industry.

Have you ever sat in a theater or in front of a television and looked out over that sea of background and thought—who are all those people? Do background actors ever actually get paid for what they do, and how much do background actors get paid to work? Are they making a living working like this, or is this a side hustle for them? Well, having just finished my own experience working as a background actor myself, I will give you a behind-the-scenes look and tell you what I’ve learned. If you’re exploring work from home with no experience or flexible side gigs, this might give you some insight into an alternative path.

What is Background Acting?

Background actors, or extras, are off-camera heroes for TV and movies. They don’t say a word, but add a level of authenticity to a scene—be it a crowded city street, a diner, or sports arena. Easy on paper: arrive, wait for direction, and blend in. Pay is another thing.

Breaking Down the Pay Scale

So, to give you a better idea. National average background actor salary is $38,537 per year. Daily rates do vary greatly, however, based on a range of factors, including union membership, production type, and project budget.

The General Pay Range

• Non Union background actors typically are paid between $60 and $122 a day for a 10- to 12-hour day.

• SAG-AFTRA background actors are paid a maximum $356 a day, depending on contract and production.

• Average daily wage is around $122, but this can fluctuate.

While such numbers for a day’s work sound impressive, keep in mind that background acting is not a full-time occupation. Unless you have a full-time occupation, turning background acting into a full-time career is not feasible.

Factors influencing a background actor’s salary

1. Union vs. Non-Union Status

Being a member of Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) will give you a better salary, meal breaks, and overtime. It is not easy to be a member and has a project requirement with credits, and you will not be able to work on union productions unless you are a member.

Non-union actors enjoy more freedom to decide and pick their own career direction, but with lower wages and without access to equivalent benefits and protections afforded to union members.

2. Type and Cost of Production Project 

Large-budget productions and network TV shows usually have better salaries. Streaming productions like HBO and Netflix usually have better rates than small cable systems or independent productions.

3. Time Spent on Set

A standard background acting day is 10-12 hours, although background actors do receive overtime for a shoot that exceeds that. Half-day rates are occasionally paid, but full-day rates are more standard.

4. Pay Bumps and Bonuses

This is where things really begin to get interesting! Background actors can be paid more in terms of different increments for specific tasks or contributions. Let’s talk about the most common ones:

Costume Pay Bump 

In the case where you have to provide your own costume—for instance, a business suit for a business setting—you will receive a small bonus. If you have to wear multiple different outfits or specialized attire such as a uniform, you will receive more.

Makeup Pay Bump 

If you have over 50% of your body in makeup, i.e., a monster, a zombie, or an alien, you will be paid more. Spend hours sitting in a makeup chair for simply groaning and shuffling in the background of a horror film—it is only fair to be paid!

Car Pay Bump

Some productions will have you bring your own car to set. When your car is on-camera, you will be paid a flat rate bonus and mileage reimbursement. Luxury cars, classic cars, and specialty cars typically receive bonus payouts.

Bonus Props Generals

Carry a golf bag, a suitcase, or a candle that is pertinent to what is happening in the scene. Having your own props is a bonus you can have. It is a small reward, but all those bonuses do add up!

Atmosphere Pay Bump

In cases where you will be working with weather conditions like smoke, rain, or weather, you can expect to receive a better salary. This is most typically in war scenes, fire scenes, or underwater scenes.

Pay Upgrade

This is where things can really turn around. If a director comes to you and asks you to say a line of dialogue, you can be upgraded to a principal role, and that is a much better rate. This is not something that happens all that frequently, but when you do, it can be a game-changer.

Hazard Pay 

Productions are obligated to pay hazard pay for dangerous stunts, working with animals, or working in dangerous environments in your scene. While not as typical, it is a very important add-on to wages for dangerous scenes. 

Is Background Acting a Viable Career Option?

Let’s be real—background acting is not necessarily a passport to economic security. To some, a side hustle for fun. To others, a starting point for greater acting ambitions. 

I remember my very first gig as a background player for a crime drama. We were shooting a tense courtroom scene, and my role was easy—sit on a bench, nod from time to time, and react to what was being said. The compensation? $100 a day. Here’s what you should know: I was asked to report for duty at 5 AM, wait for hours, and sit in front of hot lamps for most of the day. By the end of day, my back hurt, my stomach was growling (luckily, catered lunch was a welcome bonus), but I gained a new appreciation for what goes into making a single scene. 

To most background actors, however, the best bonus is not the paycheck—it’s the experience. Sometimes you stand shoulder to shoulder with a celebrity. Other times you meet other background actors who share your same aspirations. So, in case you were wondering how much do background actors get paid, there is more to it than a paycheck. 

Prospective Background Actors Tips 

If you are contemplating trying it out, here are a few quick tips: – 

• Get signed : with casting agencies that do extras. 
• Be patient : since a good amount of work is done in wait. – 
• Bring : food, water and a way to entertain yourself. – 
• Be professional:directors like extras who are serious about what you do. 
• Network: One never knows when a small gig can turn into a big gig. 

Key Takings:

• So, how much do background actors receive for their work? It depends, but with opportunities for good pay, pleasant experience, and surprise breaks comes a job unlike any other. 

• If you are doing this for a paycheck, a feel for the film industry, or simply to be on set, background acting has a certain allure. 

• And who knows, you could end up going from a background player in the background to a headliner in the spotlight. 

• Until then, sit back and enjoy the ride!And in case you were still wondering how much do background actors get paid, you know!

Additional Resources:

1. SAG-AFTRA Background Rate Sheet: The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) outlines specific rates for background actors.

2. ZipRecruiter Background Actor Salary Data: As of February 26, 2025, the average hourly pay for a background actor in the United States is $27.36, translating to approximately $56,903 annually.

3. Wrapbook’s Guide to SAG-AFTRA Rates 2025: This guide provides an overview of SAG-AFTRA agreements, detailing rates for various budget categories.

4. Wikipedia: Extra (acting): This Wikipedia article offers a comprehensive overview of the roles and compensation of extras in both the United States and the United Kingdom.