SNL Cast Salaries 2025: Michael Che, Heidi Gardner, Bowen Yang & More — What They Really Earn
As Saturday Night Live wrapped its milestone 50th season on May 17, 2025, with Scarlett Johansson hosting and Bad Bunny performing, fans are buzzing about more than just sketches and celebrity cameos.
Never Miss Your Chance to Audition!
Join our WhatsApp Channel for exclusive casting calls and audition alerts!
Join NowTable of Contents
From Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost to rising stars like Bowen Yang and Marcello Hernandez, here’s the complete breakdown of SNL salaries per episode, historical pay trends, and how fame beyond Studio 8H multiplies their earnings.
SNL Cast Salary Structure 2025: How It Works
SNL operates on a tiered salary system, rewarding experience and tenure.
| Cast Member | SNL Role | Estimated Salary (Per Episode) | Season 50 Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenan Thompson | Veteran | $25,000 | $525,000 |
| Colin Jost | Weekend Update Anchor | $25,000 | $525,000 |
| Michael Che | Weekend Update Anchor | $25,000 | $525,000 |
| Heidi Gardner | Repertory | $15,000 | $315,000 |
| Mikey Day | Repertory | $15,000 | $315,000 |
| Bowen Yang | Repertory | $15,000 | $315,000 |
| Ego Nwodim | Repertory | $15,000 | $315,000 |
| Marcello Hernandez | Featured Player | $7,000 | $147,000 |
| Sarah Sherman | Repertory | $15,000 | $315,000 |
| Jane Wickline / Emil Wakim / Ashley Padilla | Newcomers | $3,000 | $63,000 |
First-year featured players start at $3,000 per episode, while long-time stars like Kenan Thompson and Michael Che command up to $25,000 per episode, translating to over half a million per season.
Weekend Update Salaries: Michael Che & Colin Jost’s Paychecks
The Weekend Update desk remains the show’s highest-profile gig, with Colin Jost and Michael Che steering headlines since 2014.
Contrary to fan speculation, Update anchors don’t receive extra pay — both earn their veteran rate of $25,000 per episode.
However, the visibility of the segment fuels lucrative opportunities:
- Colin Jost: Hosting Pop Culture Jeopardy! and writing new comedy series.
- Michael Che: Touring stand-up comic and Netflix special star.
Their enduring chemistry and “Joke Swap” viral moments ensure continued cultural relevance — and strong negotiation leverage if they return for Season 51.
SNL Digital Shorts: Viral Fame, Real Money
SNL’s digital shorts—from Bowen Yang’s “Sara Lee” moments to Please Don’t Destroy’s sketches—are viral powerhouses.
Cast members don’t earn extra per short, but the exposure translates into six-figure deals:
- Bowen Yang: $15,000 per episode on SNL; now landing major film roles (Wicked, Fire Island).
- Marcello Hernandez: Featured player earning $7,000–$15,000/episode, building Gen Z fanbase.
Like Andy Samberg’s Lonely Island era, these shorts are a springboard to Hollywood paydays that can exceed $100K annually in side earnings.
Live Shows & Ticket Revenue: Where NBC’s Money Flows
Tickets to Saturday Night Live are famously free through a lottery, but NBC’s $1 million-per-episode ad revenue bankrolls those cast salaries.
This structure keeps pay competitive — from Heidi Gardner’s $15,000 per episode to Mikey Day’s $315,000 seasonal total — even as cast members eye post-SNL projects.
The live studio audience energy is priceless for performers and critical for NBC’s brand, which ensures high ad rates that sustain the show’s longevity.
🕰️ SNL Salary History: Then vs. Now
SNL’s salary evolution mirrors its legacy:
- 1975: Dan Aykroyd, $750–$1,500 per episode
- 1980s: Eddie Murphy, $5,000 per episode
- 2000s: Will Ferrell, $17,500 per episode (~$30K in today’s dollars)
- 2025: Veterans like Kenan Thompson earn $25,000 per episode
This steady climb showcases how SNL rewards loyalty and stardom.
With the 50th season marking a transition era, rumors of exits (Che, Jost, Gardner, Day) suggest the next pay scale bump could accompany fresh faces.
🎥 SNL Spin-Off Success: The Real Payoff
The biggest SNL money often comes after the show.
Former stars like Tina Fey (30 Rock), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), and Will Ferrell (Anchorman) built fortunes from sketch-inspired spin-offs.
Today’s stars are following the same path:
- Bowen Yang: Film and musical roles earning six figures
- Chloe Fineman: Appearing in Megalopolis and Summer of 69
- Ego Nwodim: Earning from Big Mouth and stand-up tours
- Michael Che & Colin Jost: Developing new shows under NBC deals
SNL’s modest per-episode salaries often pale next to what comes after.
Summary: How Much SNL Cast Members Earn in 2025
| Cast Tier | Per Episode | Season Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Featured Player | $3,000 | $63,000 |
| Second-Year Player | $4,000 | $84,000 |
| Fourth-Year Player | $7,000 | $147,000 |
| Veteran | $15,000 | $315,000 |
| Top Stars (Jost, Che, Thompson) | $25,000 | $525,000 |
SNL salaries reflect seniority, contribution, and cultural value — not just airtime.
How much does Michael Che make on SNL?
Michael Che earns approximately $25,000 per episode, or about $525,000 per season, as a top-tier veteran anchor.
What is Heidi Gardner’s SNL salary?
Heidi Gardner earns around $15,000 per episode, totaling $315,000 for Season 50.
How much does Bowen Yang make on SNL?
Bowen Yang’s estimated salary is $15,000 per episode, consistent with mid-tier repertory players.
How much does Marcello Hernandez make?
As a featured player, Marcello Hernandez earns $7,000–$15,000 per episode, depending on tenure.
Do Weekend Update anchors get paid extra?
No — both Colin Jost and Michael Che receive the same per-episode pay as other senior cast members, though the role boosts outside earnings.
Who is the highest-paid SNL cast member in 2025?
Kenan Thompson remains SNL’s top earner, pulling in $25,000 per episode after 22 seasons.
Conclusion
As Saturday Night Live closes its golden 50th season, its cast’s salaries reveal a layered pay system — from $3,000 per episode for newcomers to $25,000 for veterans.
While base pay hasn’t skyrocketed, the brand value and post-SNL success keep stars loyal to Studio 8H. Whether it’s Michael Che testing new material on tour or Bowen Yang breaking into film, the paycheck is just the start of their SNL story.
- Amazing Race Canada Audition 2026: Season 12 Casting Call, Application Guide, and More
- SNL Cast Salaries 2025: Michael Che, Heidi Gardner, Bowen Yang & More — What They Really Earn
- Scary Movie 6 Casting Call 2025: How to Apply + Sample Monologues & Scripts
- Joe Keery’s Epic ‘Arrest’ at Sabrina Carpenter’s ACL Show: From Stranger Things Heartthrob to Juno’s Perfect Bad Boy
- Scarlett White Paris Fashion Week Debut 2025: Gen-Z Heir’s Viral ‘When Doves Cry’ TikTok with Jack White & Karen Elson
