The contestants on Survivor are expected to go through many grueling physical challenges as they compete to win, which might make viewers wonder: Are they getting paid? Keep reading to learn salary details about how much money the contestants and winner make.
It’s well known that the ultimate winner of the season takes home a $1 million grand prize and the runner-up receives $100,000. However, the other castaways don’t walk away completely empty-handed. Each contestant who participates, regardless of when they are eliminated, earns a certain amount of money, which varies based on their performance and duration on the show.
According to former contestant Jonny FairPlay, the first person eliminated receives $2,500 for their time, and the longer someone lasts on the show, the more money they receive upon exiting. In addition, every contestant who participates in the live reunion show finale receives an additional $10,000. This structure helps to ensure that even those who do not win still receive compensation for their efforts.
That being said, the stars of Survivor are paid on a sliding scale. ABC News reported that during season 1, Rudy Boesch received $85,000 for being the third-place winner while fourth-place contestant Sue Hawk was prized $70,000. Comparatively, Jenna Lewis was eliminated mid-season and walked away with a reported $27,000. This pay structure reflects the competitive nature of the show and rewards those who last longer.
With over 40 seasons of Survivor on CBS, there’s a huge pool of former stars to choose from. The spinoff Survivor: Winners at War earns the returning champs and contestants the opportunity to earn even more money. In addition to competing for a $2 million grand prize, the contestants are reportedly offered around $35,000 to return for the reunion. This shows how the franchise continues to evolve and reward its players.
While someone can earn a pretty sweet paycheck, Survivor is definitely considered one of the toughest reality shows to appear on. Contestants face severe physical and mental challenges that test their limits. Former contestant Benjamin “Coach” Wade admitted he thought he was ready to compete, but Survivor proved to be much more “real” than he originally thought.
“I had lifted weights, ran for miles, mentally meditated, and as soon as we started the hike from the truck, I knew I was in trouble,” Benjamin recalled to Entertainment Weekly. “The hike took us close to six hours, without water, and 120-degree heat.” Such challenges highlight the dramatic nature of the game and the commitment required from each contestant.
Season 3 contestant Ethan Zohn, who also later appeared on season 8, said he “almost lost it” while competing. “My insides were screaming for food, my brain was mush from lack of sleep, my tongue was puffy from dehydration,” he said about his experience. “This [is] so much harder than I ever imagined in a million years and we are only 78 hours into the game.” This emphasizes the extreme conditions contestants endure while vying for the title of Sole Survivor.
