Non-Union Actor Pay Rates in 2026
What do non-union actors actually make? Below are real pay rates across micro drama, indie film, commercial, student film, web series, and background work -- sourced from working actors, not casting directors. These numbers reflect what performers are actually being paid, not what productions claim to offer.
Pay Rates by Category
Micro Drama (DramaBox, ReelShort, ShortTV)
Lead
$500 - $1,500/day
Supporting
$300 - $900/day
Rates vary significantly by platform and market. ReelShort pays highest; NYC/LA tend higher than other markets.
Non-Union Commercial
Lead
$350 - $800/day (NYC)
Supporting
$250 - $600/day (ATL/other)
Usage rights can double or triple your effective rate. Always ask about buyout terms.
Indie Film
Lead
$100 - $350/day
Supporting
$75 - $200/day
Wide range depending on budget. Ultra-low-budget films may offer deferred pay.
Student Film
Lead
$0 - $100/day
Supporting
$0 - $75/day
Often unpaid but provides reel footage and on-set experience. Legitimate for educational projects.
Web Series
Lead
$100 - $300/day
Supporting
$75 - $200/day
Pay depends heavily on whether the series is funded or self-produced.
Background / Extra
Lead
$100 - $200/day
Supporting
$100 - $150/day
Overtime and bumps (special skills, wet work, smoke) can increase your total.
Factors That Affect Your Pay
Market
NYC and LA consistently pay more than Atlanta, Chicago, or smaller markets. A non-union commercial in NYC might pay $600/day while the same gig in a mid-size city pays $300.
Role Size
Lead roles pay more than supporting, which pays more than featured background. The gap can be 2-3x between lead and supporting on the same production.
Platform / Distribution
Micro drama platforms (DramaBox, ReelShort) have different rate structures than traditional indie film. Commercial work for major brands pays more than local spots.
Production Budget
A $500K indie film can afford to pay actors more than a $20K short. Ask about the budget tier when negotiating -- it tells you how much room there is.
Usage Rights
This is where the real money is. A one-day commercial shoot with a perpetual buyout should pay significantly more than a one-day shoot with limited usage. If they want your face on billboards for 3 years, that changes the math entirely.
Overtime
Standard non-union days are 10-12 hours. Anything beyond that should be overtime. Many productions try to avoid paying it. Know your hours and track them.
Know Your Worth: Negotiation Tips
- Never work for free on a for-profit production. If they are making money, you should be making money. Student films and genuine passion projects are the exception, not corporate content disguised as indie.
- Always ask about overtime policy before you accept. Get it in writing. "We usually wrap on time" is not an overtime policy.
- Understand usage rights before signing anything. A $500/day rate with a perpetual worldwide buyout is a very different deal than $500/day with limited usage.
- Ask what other actors in your role category are being paid. Pay parity matters, and you cannot negotiate effectively without information.
- If they say the budget is tight, ask what they are spending on other departments. Actors should not be the only line item getting squeezed.
- Get your rate confirmed in writing -- email counts. Verbal agreements are hard to enforce when the check comes up short.
Tools for Non-Union Actors
Check your rate, scan casting calls for red flags, and track your gigs privately — all free.