Max Thieriot salary per episode reflects his evolution from a young Disney star on "Bates Motel" to a leading dramatic actor in streaming and network series. Understanding his earnings requires looking at project scale, format, and ongoing involvement.
This breakdown provides clarity on how much Max Thieriot earns per episode across different phases of his career, supported by real-world data and typical structures for actors in similar roles.
| Project | Role | Series/Year | Estimated Salary Per Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bates Motel | Norman Bates | 2013-2017 | $40,000 to $70,000 |
| SEAL Team | Jason Hayes | 2017-2020 | $125,000 to $175,000 |
| SEAL Team | Jason Hayes | 2020-2023 | $200,000 to $250,000 |
| Ghosts (US) | Isaac Higgintoot | 2021-2024 | $150,000 to $200,000 |
| Fire Country | Bode Donovan | 2022-Present | $250,000 to $350,000 |
Breakdown by Major Role
Bates Motel Earnings
During "Bates Motel," Max Thieriot earned between $40,000 and $70,000 per episode in the early seasons, with gradual increases as the series progressed. By the final seasons, his pay approached the higher end due to tenure and critical recognition.
SEAL Team Compensation
Joining "SEAL Team" marked a significant jump in earnings for Thieriot. Starting around $125,000 per episode, his salary rose to as high as $250,000 per episode as he became a central lead and the series matured on the network.
Ghosts (US) Involvement
On the hit sitcom "Ghosts (US)," Max Thieriot commanded between $150,000 and $200,000 per episode. The show's strong ratings and his recurring-to-series regular status supported this premium rate.
Fire Country Current Pay
In "Fire Country," Thieriot's salary reflects his status as a leading man on a top-rated CBS series, with reported earnings from $250,000 up to $350,000 per episode. This represents one of the highest figures in his career to date.
Industry Context for Actor Salaries
How Per-Episode Fees Are Determined
Actor salaries depend on audience draw, screen time, contract type (regular vs recurring), backend participation, and the overall budget of the production. Thieriot's trajectory shows steady growth as he took on lead responsibilities and proved his value.
Key Takeaways on Max Thieriot Salary Trajectory
- Salary per episode grew consistently as he transitioned from supporting to lead roles.
- Network and streaming projects can offer different pay structures and bonus opportunities.
- Longevity on a series often results in significant increases and backend profit participation.
- High-rated dramas typically command higher fees than mid-tier or niche shows.
- Geographic incentives, showrunners, and union agreements also influence final numbers.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much did Max Thieriot make per episode on Bates Motel?
He earned roughly $40,000 to $70,000 per episode, increasing over the course of the series.
What was Max Thieriot's salary per episode on SEAL Team?
His pay ranged from about $125,000 early on to around $250,000 per episode by the later seasons.
Did Max Thieriot earn more on Ghosts (US) than on SEAL Team?
No, he generally earned slightly less on "Ghosts (US)" at roughly $150,000 to $200,000 per episode compared to his peak on "SEAL Team."
Why is Fire Country paying Max Thieriot the highest reported rate?
As a lead on a top CBS drama with strong viewership, his salary reflects both his established profile and the show's budget scale, reaching $250,000 to $350,000 per episode.