Broadway Pay Rates: What Actors, Crew, and Staff Actually Earn

When you think of Broadway pay rates, the standardized wages for performers and crew working in New York City’s professional theater district. Also known as Broadway salaries, these rates are set by unions like Actors’ Equity Association and cover everyone from lead actors to stagehands. It’s not just about the stars—every show runs on a team, and each role has its own pay scale. Whether you’re curious about how much a lead actor makes per week or if a stage manager earns more than a stagehand, the numbers tell a real story.

Most Broadway actors are paid weekly under union contracts. As of 2024, the minimum weekly salary for a principal actor is $2,200, but top names can earn over $100,000 a week. Swing performers—actors who cover multiple roles—get paid more than ensemble members, who usually start around $1,900 a week. Then there’s the crew: carpenters, electricians, wardrobe staff, and stage managers. Their pay isn’t as public, but union rates ensure they earn between $30 and $60 an hour, depending on experience and role. Stage managers, who coordinate everything from cues to cast calls, often make $1,500 to $2,500 a week. These aren’t guesses—they’re legally binding union agreements.

Pay isn’t just about the paycheck. Broadway workers also get health insurance, pension contributions, and overtime rules. If a show runs late, crew members get paid extra. If an actor understudies a lead role for more than five performances, they get a raise. These rules exist because theater work is unpredictable—long hours, irregular schedules, and high pressure. That’s why union protections matter. You won’t find this level of structure in most entertainment jobs.

What you won’t see on Broadway pay charts? The gap between stars and support staff. A lead actor might make ten times what a stagehand earns, even though both are essential to the show. And while some shows run for years and pay well, others close after a few weeks, leaving workers without income. That’s why many Broadway professionals juggle multiple gigs—teaching, commercials, regional theater—to stay afloat.

So if you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the curtain, the numbers matter. From the singer belting out the final note to the person who fixes the broken prop during intermission, everyone’s paid fairly—by union standards, at least. Below, you’ll find real posts that dig into Broadway’s biggest flops, top shows, and what makes the industry tick. These aren’t just stories—they’re snapshots of the people and pay that keep the lights on.