How Much Do Extras Get Paid in Film?

Becoming a movie or film extra is certainly a consideration for some that have valid interest in acting and film. If you’re considering a role in film, and think that becoming a background extra is the right idea. You’re probably wondering “How much do extras get paid?” Naturally, you need to know if this is the type of work that you can trust to provide a standard salary that is feasible to cover your living expenses. Or if it’s something that you should consider just as a side-job or hobby.

Starting Salary for Extras

Extras take on non speaking roles that can pay a range of figures. Depending on the role and the film for which the role takes place.

While some extras get paid up to nearly $200 per day for a full eight hours. Standard pay is generally in the range of closer to about $100 to $150 per day. 

Hourly wages are rare for extras. Because it’s difficult for the filmmaker to establish a set of hours that the extras will be needed. And because this would require a lot of accounting that is quite frankly more time consuming than it is worth.

Instead, most extra roles are set at a day-rate. With a base amount and then certain added needs or requirements will result in a pay bump.

Pay Bumps for Extras

If you’re wondering, “How much do extras get paid in film?” and the purpose of figuring this all out is so that you can make a living. Or at least a side hustle as an extra. Then you probably want to know the different ways that extras can make EXTRA money. (pun intended)

Extras receive pay bumps for certain activities or added requirements for the part. For example, background extras that are Union can receive additional dividends.

In addition to their approximately $150 per day for the following:

• Atmosphere – Exposure to atmosphere elements such as water or smoke. This pays an extra $14 per day.
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• Car – If you’re using your own car as part of your role in the background of a film then you’re entitled to an extra .30 per mile, round trip for the use of your car plus $35.
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• Costume – If you’re using your own costume items such as a wig, special outfit or some other costume that was requested as part of your background acting role, you’re entitled to an additional $18 to $36 per day.
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• Props – If you’re bringing your own props for the role, such as a pet or sporting equipment or something else, you’re entitled to anywhere from $5.50 to $23 per prop. Live animals, such as your pet, will get you that $23 per day!
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• Makeup – If you’re to have makeup applied to more than 50% of your body, you deserve and qualify for extra. In act, Union extras that are exposed to 50% or more of their body being covered in makeup will get paid an additional $18 per day.

Making a Living as an Extra

As you can see, there are certainly ways that you could potentially make a living as an extra, depending on what your financial needs are. When you figure in the various pay bumps and the day rate for an extra, if you were to schedule work daily throughout the week it could surmount to an average salary of about $50K or so per year which is about double or more than double minimum wage.

So, how much do extras get paid in film? More than they would working for the average retail store, fast food chain or other minimum wage paying job.