What stunt double pay looks like in practice
Stunt double salary depends on project budget, union status, experience, and risk. On major studio films with SAG-AFTRA and a seasoned stunt team, daily rates commonly fall between $2,000 and $5,000, while lower-budget or non-union work may sit near $500 to $1,500 per day. Weekly residuals, profit participation, and training income can shape long-term earnings. Rates vary by location, sequence complexity, and physical risk, and negotiators weigh hazards, schedule length, and insurance considerations when setting pay.
How union rules shape stunt pay
Union agreements strongly influence stunt double salary, establishing minimums, overtime, and safety-related premiums. In the United States and Canada, SAG-AFTRA and IATSE frameworks set clear baselines, while non-union productions can diverge widely. Contracts can include hazard pay, travel allowances, and per-diems that affect total compensation. Understanding jurisdiction and union coverage helps explain wide reported pay ranges.
Key pay variables at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Union | SAG-AFTRA and IATSE set minimums and overtime rules | Collective bargaining agreements |
| Experience level | Entry to mid-level stunt performers often earn less than veterans | Industry surveys and payroll data |
| Project budget | Low, mid, and high budget tiers correlate with daily rate bands | Production payroll norms |
| Sequence risk and complexity | Higher risk or technical work can command premiums | Stunt coordinator pay guidelines |
| Location | Regional cost-of-living and market rates affect offers | Local agreements and market data |
Typical daily and weekly rate ranges
While exact figures shift by market and project, broad bands are common. Below is a simplified overview of daily stunt double salary ranges reported by industry sources. These ranges reflect typical conditions, not guarantees, and actual pay can differ based on negotiation, scheduling, and specific job requirements.
- Non-union, low-budget production or student work: $500–$1,200 per day
- Mid-budget non-union or indie features: $1,000–$2,000 per day
- Union episodic TV and indie films (SAG-AFTRA/IATSE): $2,000–$4,000 per day
- Major studio films and high-budget streaming: $3,000–$6,000+ per day
Weekly earnings can climb further with overtime, standby, and prep work, especially on long-running series or complex shoots.
Career factors that influence stunt double earnings
Experience, reputation, and specialization affect stunt double salary. Performers with extensive feature work, advanced training in disciplines like wire work or precision driving, and strong safety records often command higher rates. Union seniority, relationships with coordinators, and reliability under tight schedules also matter. Those who invest in ongoing training, maintain certifications, and build a track record of clean, injury-free days can access higher-paying opportunities.
Rates by project type and duration
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Feature film, union, hazardous stunt | $3,500–$6,000+ per day | High risk, complex planning |
| Episodic TV, union, repeated action | $2,500–$4,500 per day | Higher overtime potential |
| Commercial or short, non-union | $800–$2,000 per day | Shorter schedules, lower budgets |
| Training or standby without performance | $500–$1,500 per day | No execution, but prep and availability |
Beyond the daily rate: total compensation components
Stunt double salary often includes more than the headline daily rate. Packages can contain per-diem payments, travel and lodging allowances, insurance coverage, and deferred compensation on large productions. Profit participation is uncommon but possible on high-gross projects or when performers negotiate backend points. Budget size and producer terms heavily influence how total earnings compare across offers.
How experience and risk translate into pay
Veteran stunt performers regularly secure higher stunt double salary due to proven reliability, advanced skills, and fewer safety incidents. Coordinators may pay premiums for specialists capable of complex sequences or those who reduce rehearsal time by executing stunts cleanly the first time. Insurers and unions also emphasize safety records, and performers with documented safe histories often access better-paying jobs and stronger negotiation positions.
Long-term earnings and career sustainability
Across a career, stunt double salary can vary widely based on workload, injuries, and market changes. Peak earning years often align with high-budget productions and consistent union availability. Residuals, repeat bookings, and strategic training investments can support long-term income stability. Treating stunt performance as a professional craft—balancing safety, marketing, and continuous skill development—helps sustain earnings over time.
Frequently asked questions about stunt pay
- Do stunt performers get residuals or backend points?
- How do safety records affect stunt double salary?
- Is stunt double pay negotiable?
Residuals and profit participation are rare on standard features but can appear on major studio or high-gross streaming projects, often negotiated case by case.
Clean safety records typically improve negotiation leverage and access to higher-risk, higher-pay work; incidents can reduce opportunities and increase insurance costs.
Yes, performers can and should negotiate, especially with proven experience, specialized skills, and reliable scheduling. Coordinators and agents often help structure terms.
How to evaluate a stunt double rate offer
When assessing stunt double salary offers, consider total compensation, not just the daily rate. Factor in travel, lodging, per-diems, insurance, and payment reliability. Compare union minimums, local market norms, and the specifics of the sequence risk and rehearsal time. A lower headline rate can sometimes be offset by strong benefits or backend upside, so review the full package before accepting.