Stunt work is one of the most visible yet misunderstood roles in film and television, often reduced to brief moments of high impact rather than the years of training behind them. Many people ask how much does stunt double make, especially when they see large set pieces and want to understand the real financial picture behind this physically demanding career.
Unlike standard acting roles, stunt professionals typically earn based on specialized skills, experience level, union status, and the type of production, creating a compensation structure that can vary widely from project to project.
| Starter | Intermediate | Senior | Union Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner with minimal experience | 2–5 years on set, basic certifications | 5+ years, specialty skills | SAG-AFTRA signatory projects, complex sequences |
| Per day or per week rate | Higher per day, occasional residuals | Premium day rate, profit participation | Top scale, benefits, and pension |
| $100–$300 | $300–$800 | $800–$2,000+ | $2,000+ with package deals |
| Low risk sequences | falls, simple drivingModerate wire work, precision driving | High falls, fire, water, underwater | Complex multi-camera action, coordination |
| Local productions, indie films | Regional television, commercials | Major studio features | Blockbusters and prestige series |
Daily Rates Versus Project Packages
How Daily Stunt Rates Are Set
On most productions, stunt performers are booked by the day, with rates influenced by location, budget, and the presence of a union contract. Understanding how much does stunt double make on a daily basis requires looking at whether the production is non-union, low-budget union, or high-budget union, since each tier carries different minimums and expectations.
Daily rates cover a standard set of services such as performing the action, attending rehearsals, and basic safety coordination, but extras like wire work or water stunts may trigger additional fees that significantly increase earnings.
What Project Packages Can Include
For larger projects, especially those covered by major guild agreements, a stunt double may receive a package that combines daily rates, residuals, and health benefits rather than pure cash on a per-day basis. These packages can substantially change how much total compensation a performer sees over the life of a release, particularly for films with long theatrical windows or strong backend performance.
Specialty Skills And Pay Premiums
High Risk And Advanced Techniques
Certain stunts, such as high falls, fire burns, underwater sequences, and precision driving, carry higher risk and require advanced certification, which translates into higher pay. Many performers build their income by specializing in one or two of these areas, allowing them to command premium rates that far exceed the baseline for general stunt work.
Producers budgeting for these sequences must factor in not only the stunt fee but also safety coordinators, additional insurance, and extended rehearsal time, all of which influence the final numbers on a project’s financial breakdown.
Vehicle Work And Horsework
Driving and horse stunts demand specific licensing and extensive practice, leading to separate rate structures within the industry. A stunt driver or horse performer often earns more than someone performing similar physical work without the specialized licensing, reflecting the added training and liability involved.
Career Progression And Long Term Earnings
Building Experience And Reputation
Early in a career, a stunt performer may take on minor roles that pay at the lower end of the scale while building a reel and references. Over time, as they prove reliability and master complex disciplines, opportunities on larger sets increase, along with the likelihood of negotiating higher fees and securing residuals.
Union membership also plays a critical role in long term earnings, since it provides access to higher paying productions and standardized contracts that protect pay rates and working conditions.
Beyond On Set Payments
Top stunt professionals often earn income beyond the set through teaching, consulting on safety protocols, and advising on equipment design. These secondary streams can be substantial and are frequently overlooked when asking how much does stunt double make on a single project.
Paths To Building A Sustainable Stunt Income
A realistic understanding of how much does stunt double make encourages performers to invest in training, certifications, and professional relationships that expand their range of billable skills.
- Pursue formal training at a recognized stunt school to build foundational techniques and safety knowledge.
- Obtain specialized licenses in driving, fire, water, and high falls to qualify for higher paying sequences.
- Network actively with coordinators and assistant directors to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
- Track residuals and secondary income streams to better understand total earnings over a project’s lifecycle.
- Continuously update insurance and certifications to remain compliant with evolving union and safety standards.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is pay calculated per scene or per day for most stunt work
Most union stunt work is billed per day, with additional fees for specific elements like wire work, fire, and water, while non-union or indie projects may structure compensation per scene or as a flat project rate.
Do stunt performers get residuals when a show or movie earns money
Yes, performers covered by union agreements like SAG-AFTRA can receive residuals when a production is reused on streaming platforms, broadcast television, or released on physical media, adding ongoing income over time.
How much more do stunt coordinators earn compared to performers
Stunt coordinators typically earn significantly more than performers, reflecting their responsibility for designing sequences, managing safety, and budgeting, with rates often calculated as a percentage of the overall production budget.
Can a stunt double earn passive income from viral moments or social media clips
While viral clips do not usually generate direct payments, they can increase visibility, leading to more bookings and higher negotiation leverage, which may improve overall earnings in the long term.