Behind every breathtaking action sequence in a major film or television show is a team of professionals ensuring the safety and physical performance of the lead actor. For high-risk scenes involving explosions, car chases, or intense combat, the person executing the dangerous maneuver is often a stunt double. Understanding how much a stunt double get paid requires looking at a complex equation of experience, union affiliation, and the specific demands of the production.
Base Rates and Union Standards
The foundation of a stunt performer’s pay is determined by strict guidelines established by unions, primarily the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). According to the current SAG-AFTRA Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA), a stunt double is classified as a "stunt performer" and earns a daily rate rather than an hourly one. As of the latest contract, the standard daily minimum for a stunt performer on a major studio film is approximately $215 per day, provided the schedule is 10 hours or less with no more than one hour of overtime.
Factors Influencing the Pay Scale
While the base rate provides a floor, the reality of how much a stunt double get paid varies significantly based on seniority and union status. A non-union stunt double working on an independent film may earn the minimum daily rate or slightly less. In contrast, a performer affiliated with SAG-AFTRA on a major studio production is guaranteed that daily minimum, plus residuals and health benefits if the project meets certain thresholds. The most significant pay jumps occur when the stunt is considered "specialty," such as high falls, precision driving, or wire work, which often command premium rates negotiated between the team and the production.
Project Type | Daily Rate (Approximate) | Additional Notes
Indie Film / Low Budget | $150 - $200 | Often non-union, limited benefits
Network Television / Commercial | $215 - $300 | SAG-AFTRA basic rate applies
Major Feature Film | $250 - $500+ | High budget, complex stunts, residuals
The Role of the Stunt Coordinator
Rates are rarely quoted directly by the double to the production; instead, they are managed through a specialized professional known as the stunt coordinator. This individual is responsible for hiring the right performer for the specific physical requirement and negotiating the fee. When a production asks how much a stunt double get paid for a specific scene, the coordinator assesses the danger level, the required training, and the time commitment. A simple fall might cost the production the base daily rate, while a sequence involving precision driving or fire burns can cost thousands of dollars due to the necessary safety personnel and equipment.
Residuals and Long-Term Earnings
Earnings for a stunt double do not end when the camera stops rolling. Unlike actors who receive residuals for reruns and streaming, the pay structure for stunt work is primarily front-loaded. However, if the stunt double is classified as a "stunt actor" rather than just a utility performer, they may be entitled to residual payments whenever the footage is used. For performers in major franchises, these residuals can accumulate significantly over the years, contributing to a substantial long-term income stream that is separate from their initial daily fee.
