Pete Davidson shared that as a rookie cast member on Saturday Night Live, his salary was $3,000 per episode. With SNL seasons typically having 18-21 episodes, this amounts to $54,000-$63,000 annually for a newcomer like Davidson during his initial years. Davidson humorously recalled spending his first paycheck on dinner, a modest but relatable choice.
Other cast members have shared similar experiences with their early paychecks, mentioning essentials like rent or practical purchases like furniture. Jason Sudeikis, for instance, also highlighted rent as a significant use of his initial earnings.
While Davidson’s SNL earnings reflected the starting rate for the show, his salary for other projects like his Peacock series Bupkis has been significantly higher, underscoring his growth in the entertainment industry.
For more insights, the full video featuring cast members such as Bowen Yang, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Seth Meyers is available via New York Magazine’s social media platforms.