Earnings of Stunt Performers in Hollywood: A Comprehensive Analysis

Stunt performers holding the spotlight in Hollywood can make a significant impact on the production process. Their earnings can vary dramatically depending on several factors, including experience, the complexity of stunts, and the type of production involved. In this article, we will delve into the various factors that influence the earnings of stunt performers in Hollywood, including average salaries, union rates, experience levels, types of work, and more.

Breaking Down the Earnings

As of the latest update, the earnings of stunt performers in Hollywood can range widely, typically between $1,000 to $2,500 per day. However, the amount they can earn per day can increase significantly for high-profile projects or complex stunts. For instance, a seasoned stunt performer with a strong reputation might command fees exceeding $10,000 for particularly dangerous or high-profile stunts. These figures can fluctuate depending on whether the performer is working on a film, television show, or commercial, and the budget of the production.

Union Rates and Stunt Performers

Many stunt performers are members of the Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which has established minimum rates for union productions. The minimum daily rate for a stunt performer in a union production is around $1,200. This rate can be higher for more complex or dangerous stunts, but it serves as a benchmark for fair compensation.

Experience Level and Earnings

The experience level of a stunt performer also plays a significant role in determining their earnings. Entry-level stunt performers may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with a strong reputation can command much higher fees. For especially dangerous or high-profile stunts, some stunt performers can earn upwards of $10,000 per day. This dynamic means that those who have achieved a high level of skill and recognition in the industry can build lucrative careers.

Type of Work and Earnings

The type of work a stunt performer takes on can also impact their earnings. For example, stunt coordinators who also work as actors or have additional roles like stunt doubling for A-list actors can earn significantly more. This flexibility allows stunt performers to diversify their income and potentially increase their earning potential. Additionally, for larger production sets, such as sequences involving battles or extended action scenes, stunt performers may be contracted for a longer period, such as three or four days.

Freelance vs. Contract

Many stunt performers work on a freelance basis, which can lead to fluctuations in income depending on the number of gigs they secure in a given year. This aspect of freelance work can be more unpredictable than working on a fixed contract. However, this variability can also present opportunities for higher earnings during busy periods.

It's worth noting that there is a SAG minimum wage for stunt people working on a production for a day. Most stunt people work on a daily basis, but contracts for larger set pieces can extend to multiple days. For instance, a stunt coordinator might be contracted for three or four days for a big action sequence, such as a battle scene. If a stunt performer is doubling for an A-list actor in a high-action show like Atomic Blonde, where Charlize Theron and her stunt double delivered spectacular fight sequences and took high-flying falls, the stunt double might be on an odd deal, such as carrying for the picture plus bumps.

Terms like "bumps" refer to additional payments for specific stunts, such as car crashes, flips, or high falls. These are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Notable instances of bumps include the $10,000 paid to stunt coordinator Dar Robinson and AJ Bakunis, both of whom tragically lost their lives while performing high falls. Despite the risks, some highly skilled stunt performers earn substantial amounts, making Hollywood a lucrative but challenging field for those in the field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the earnings of stunt performers in Hollywood can vary greatly, ranging from a modest $1,000 to up to $10,000 per day, depending on the factors mentioned above. While some stunt performers may struggle to find consistent work, others can build lucrative careers, especially those who achieve a high level of skill and recognition in the industry. The union rates and minimum wage established by SAG-AFTRA provide a valuable benchmark for fair compensation, while the types of work and the frequency of contracts can influence overall earnings.