How much do extras get paid on TV?

What Do Extras Earn on TV Sets?

Ever wondered how much background actors—those you see milling about in crowd scenes or sipping coffee in a café shot—actually earn? The truth is, it varies widely. While they’re not front and center, extras play a vital role in bringing a scene to life, and their pay reflects a range of factors including location, production budget, and whether they’re part of a union.

In the UK, non-union extras typically earn between £80 and £120 per day. In the US, the daily rate for similar roles often ranges from $100 to $200. These figures can shift depending on how long the shoot lasts, whether meals and overtime are included, or if the extra is required to do something unusual—like wearing their own costume or getting wet in a rain scene.

Unionized extras, such as those represented by SAG-AFTRA in the US, generally earn more, with set minimums and added benefits like health and pension contributions. Rates for union work are standardized and often exceed what non-union gigs pay, not to mention the added job protections.

It’s also worth noting that “day rates” don’t always mean eight hours of work—sometimes call times stretch much longer, especially on busy TV sets. While becoming an extra isn’t a path to stardom for most, it does offer a foot in the door and a behind-the-scenes look at how television comes together.

So, while the paycheck might not be huge, the experience—standing just a few feet from your favorite actor during a dramatic scene—can be priceless.