How Much Do Actors Get Paid as Extras?
If you’ve ever been fascinated by the people filling the background of your favourite movies or TV shows, you may have wondered: how much do extras get paid? While extras may not have speaking roles or star billing, they play an essential part in creating realistic scenes.
Whether you're looking to break into the acting world or just curious about actor pay, here’s everything you need to know about how much extras earn and the factors that influence their pay.
What Is an Extra?
Extras, also known as background actors, are performers hired to add authenticity and atmosphere to film, TV, and commercial productions. They typically appear in non-speaking roles and are placed in the background of scenes to make settings like streets, restaurants, or crowds feel alive and realistic.
Although extras don’t deliver lines or engage in the primary action of a scene, their presence is vital to creating a believable world on screen.
How Much Do Extras Get Paid?
The pay for extras can vary depending on the production, location, and union affiliation. Below are some typical rates:
Non-Union Extras:
Non-union extras typically earn between £80 and £120 per day in the UK or $100 to $200 per day in the US.
This rate usually covers an eight to ten-hour workday, with additional pay for overtime if the shoot extends beyond the standard hours.
Union Extras (Equity/SAG-AFTRA):
Extras who are part of a union, such as Equity in the UK or SAG-AFTRA in the US, are paid higher rates. In the US, the minimum rate for a union extra is $182 per day for basic work, with overtime rates starting after eight hours. In the UK, Equity contracts typically guarantee at least £104.28 per day, with additional pay for specific conditions.
Overtime Pay:
Extras often work long hours, and overtime pay can significantly increase their earnings. Non-union extras might receive an hourly rate of £15 to £20 in the UK or $15 to $25 in the US for every hour worked beyond the standard shift.
Specialised Roles:
Extras performing specific tasks, such as playing a featured background role (e.g., a waiter interacting with the scene) or engaging in physically demanding work like stunts, can earn higher rates. These roles might pay £150 to £250 per day in the UK or $200 to $500 per day in the US.
What Factors Influence an Extra’s Pay?
Several factors can affect how much extras earn:
Production Type:
Big-budget Hollywood films and popular TV shows often pay higher rates than independent productions or low-budget projects. Extras in blockbuster productions can expect to earn closer to union minimums or above.
Location:
Pay rates vary depending on where the production is filmed. For example, extras in cities like London, New York, or Los Angeles tend to earn more due to the higher cost of living and the demand for professional background talent.
Union Membership:
Union members receive higher wages, guaranteed breaks, and protections like overtime pay and meal compensation. Non-union extras may not have access to these benefits.
Wardrobe Requirements:
If extras are required to bring their own wardrobe (especially specific clothing like formalwear or uniforms), they may receive an additional fee. Rates for providing your own wardrobe can range from £10 to £50 per day.
Weather and Conditions:
If filming takes place in harsh conditions—such as extreme heat, cold, or rain—extras may receive additional compensation, known as a “weather bump.”
Overtime and Late Hours:
Productions that run late into the night or require early call times may pay extras extra fees for inconvenience.
How Do Extras Get Paid?
Extras are usually paid daily, with payments processed after the production wraps or within a specific timeframe agreed upon in the contract. Non-union extras are typically paid directly by the production company or a casting agency, while union extras receive payment according to union guidelines, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
Is Being an Extra a Good Way to Break into Acting?
Working as an extra can be an excellent starting point for aspiring actors. While extras don’t typically have speaking roles or on-screen credits, the experience provides valuable insight into how film and TV productions operate. Many actors begin their careers as extras before moving on to larger roles.
That said, being an extra is not a guaranteed path to stardom. Most extras remain in background roles throughout their careers, but a lucky few have been discovered during filming and offered more prominent opportunities.
What Are the Perks of Being an Extra?
While the pay for extras might not be glamorous, there are other benefits:
Experience: Extras get hands-on experience working on professional film sets and learning the ins and outs of the industry.
Networking: Being on set offers opportunities to network with other actors, crew members, and sometimes even directors.
Free Food and Costumes: Most productions provide catering and costumes, which can make a long day on set more enjoyable.
Potential Upgrades: Occasionally, an extra may be upgraded to a featured or speaking role, which comes with significantly higher pay and screen time.
Challenges of Being an Extra
While being an extra has its perks, it also comes with challenges:
Long Hours: Extras often spend 12+ hours on set, with a lot of waiting between scenes.
Unpredictable Schedules: Filming schedules can change last minute, making it difficult to plan around the job.
No Guarantees of Future Work: Extras are hired on a per-project basis, and there’s no guarantee of steady income.
Conclusion: How Much Do Extras Really Earn?
Extras play a vital role in bringing film and TV productions to life, and while they may not earn star-level salaries, their contributions are invaluable. Pay rates for extras typically range from £80 to £250 per day, depending on factors like union membership, production scale, and specific duties.
For those looking to explore the acting world, being an extra offers a unique and exciting opportunity to gain experience and make industry connections. While it may not lead to fame overnight, it’s a stepping stone for those passionate about performing.
