What vertical drama actors earn
Day rates from our February 2026 research.Last checked October 12, 2026.
| Role | Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lead actor | $1,000 to $1,500 a day | In every episode. Highest demand, highest pay. |
| Supporting actor | $200 to $500 a day | Recurring characters like rivals and parents. |
| Day player | $250 or more a day | Named roles with fewer scenes. |
| Featured extra | $80 to $185 a day | Background work with some direction. |
| Background | $80 to $150 a day | Crowd, party and office scenes. |
The math
A lead booking a full series, shot in about 10 days, can earn $10,000 to $15,000. Our model for a fully booked lead at about $1,250 a day, working 70 to 100 days across 8 to 10 series, comes to $87,500 to $125,000 a year.
What sets your pay
- The platform and the production company.
- The genre. Mafia and billionaire romance pay the best.
- Your credits, especially in the same subgenre.
- Union status.
- Lead or supporting.
- Where the shoot is.
- How well you negotiate.
Where the shows run
ReelShort productions generally pay the most, because ReelShort brings in the most revenue. DramaBox is close behind. Smaller platforms may pay less but offer more chances to unknown actors.
Open roles
The main board updates daily.
Questions
Do I need SAG-AFTRA?
No. Many vertical productions are non-union. The SAG-AFTRA Verticals Agreement covers signatory productions that fit its budget and format rules.
Can an actor work in verticals full time?
Some do. A full series shoots in about 10 days, so a busy actor can book several in a year.
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