Fact: The Office Cast Salaries Weren’t as Impressive as You Think
One might think that the stars of a show that is usually called the #1 comedy ever created would have a bigger salary, but the cast of The Office earned less than many other popular shows. Let's run the numbers!
When The Office premiered in 2003 it wasn’t obvious that it would end up being an absolute gem of the mockumentary comedy TV, but the shift in the show’s dynamics after season 2 made it all happen.
The show gained astronomical ratings for its humor and unique style of storytelling, but it was the quirky characters that made the series a huge success. So let’s take a look at how much the cast of The Office made during its run.
Steve Carell: The Driving Force
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Steve Carell, who played the iconic role of Regional Manager Michael Scott, was a major factor in the success of The Office.
For the first season, Carell reportedly earned $87,000 per episode. His pay increased to $175,000 per episode during the second and third seasons. By the time season 7 aired, his earnings had risen to $300,000 per episode.
Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer
The perfect trio, Dwight, Pam, and Jim, were the highlight of the show for so many times. The enemies to friends trope was brilliantly crafted to their arcs and made them all absolute fan favorites. Moneywise, the three of them also shared a direction.
Rainn Wilson's character earned him $20,000 per episode for the first three seasons, after which his salary was made $100,000 by the show's season 9.
Like Wilson, Krasinski earned $20,000 per episode for seasons 1-3, and was bumped to $100,000 per episode later. Jenna Fischer earned $20,000 per episode for the first three seasons, which was later increased to $100,000 per episode as well.
The Rest of the Gang
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Ed Helms, who played Andy Bernard, joined The Office in season 3 and stayed until the end, going through some very controversial arcs. Helms earned close to $100,000 per episode in the final seasons of the show.
BJ Novak portrayed Ryan Howard for eight seasons, earning $20,000 in the early seasons; like the others, his salary increased to $100,000 in later seasons.
And Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Brian Baumgartner, and Phillis Smith’s salaries were only increased up to $60-62,000 per episode.
