Film and Television Extras

It is rare that someone is able to make a living solely from work as an extra. "Only 7 percent of SAG-AFTRA actors and performers earn $80,000 or more a year, and 14 percent of SAG-AFTRA members make at least $26,470 annually to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health plan coverage," according to "Most SAG Actors Don’t Even Make A Living Wage. Here Are Their Stories," in Rolling Stone.

SAG-AFTRA sets daily wage minimums for its members. Background actors in television productions received daily minimums of $216 in 2024, according to SAG-AFTRA. Special ability background actors earned daily minimums of $226. Daily wage minimums vary according to city and type of extra work. Extras also earn more if they have to work in rain or smoke, or if they are required to wear body makeup, wigs, or a certain haircut for the part. If they supply their own props, such as pets, cars, golf clubs, or luggage, extras also are paid higher daily rates.

In 2024, Salary.com reported the median annual salary for full-time extras/stand-ins was $38,158; salaries ranged from $25,348 or less to $55,621 or more.

Any extra who is upgraded to a speaking part—even just one line of dialogue—is considered a day player and earns significantly more per day.