Stunt doubles earn widely different amounts depending on experience, location, and the type of production. Union scale, overtime, and specialized skills can all shift the final pay package.
Below is a detailed overview of how much stunt doubles make, including typical rates, influencing factors, and career considerations for performers entering or advancing in this field.
| Experience Level | Union Scale (Base Day Rate) | Typical Overtime Range | Key Factors That Influence Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $135–$235 | $50–$85 per overtime hour | Training, assistant roles, smaller productions |
| Journeyman | $240–$320 | $85–$120 per overtime hour | Larger budgets, recurring roles, moderate risk work |
| Specialist | $350–$500+ | $120–$200+ per overtime hour | High-risk sequences, niche skills, major studio films |
| Top Professionals | $600–$1,000+ | $150–$300+ per overtime hour | Long credits, referrals, leadership on complex stunts |
Union Scale And Rates For Stunt Doubles
Stunt performers covered by SAG-AFTRA earn set daily minimums, with increases tied to production budget tiers. These rates are the baseline that many professionals use when negotiating fees.
Understanding how union schedules work helps both aspiring and working stunt doubles anticipate base earnings and plan for additional income from overtime or hazardous pay.
Freelance And Non Union Earnings
Rates Outside Union Contracts
Freelance stunt doubles working outside union agreements often negotiate per project or per day, influenced heavily on reputation, complexity of work, and client budget. Independent work can offer higher hourly pay but may lack consistent benefits.
Location And Production Budget Impact
How Geography And Budget Shape Pay
Hollywood and major international hubs tend to offer higher base pay and more frequent overtime opportunities. Lower-budget regional or online productions may pay closer to minimum rates, but experienced performers can still command premium fees through strong referrals.
Key Takeaways For Stunt Doubles
- Union scale sets a reliable baseline on major productions, with predictable overtime rules.
- Experience, specialty skills, and risk work can multiply daily earnings substantially.
- Location, production budget, and reputation strongly influence how much take home pay you can expect.
- Freelance and non union opportunities can offer higher hourly rates but may lack consistent benefits and steady work.
- Planning for overtime, hazardous pay, and ongoing training helps stunt doubles maximize income and career growth.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much does a stunt double make per day on a major studio film?
A stunt double on a major studio film who is covered by SAG-AFTRA can earn the union base daily rate, often in the range of $240 to $320 per day for mid-level performers, with higher rates for top professionals and additional income from overtime and hazardous duty pay.
Do stunt doubles get paid extra for high risk or water work?
Yes, stunt doubles typically receive additional hazardous duty pay and extra fees for complex sequences like high falls, underwater work, or fire stunts, which can significantly increase total earnings for a single day.
What is the difference between entry level and experienced stunt double pay?
Entry level stunt doubles may start near minimum scale with day rates roughly $135 to $235, while experienced or specialist doubles can command $350 to $1,000 or more per day depending on skills, risk, and project budget.
How do location and union status affect overall earnings?
Union status provides baseline rates, benefits, and overtime rules, while location strongly influences pay, with major filming cities offering higher daily rates and more opportunities for overtime compared to non union or lower budget markets.