The world of television acting offers a career path with immense creative potential and a salary spectrum that is one of the widest in any profession. While a select few stars command headline-making figures, the majority of working actors earn a solid, professional living. When fans of hit shows like NBC's "Chicago P.D." wonder about a "LaRoyce Hawkins salary per episode," they are really asking: What can a successful, long-running series regular on a major network show expect to earn?
While the exact salary of any specific actor, including Mr. Hawkins, is a private contractual matter, we can analyze the industry data to build a clear picture. An actor's per-episode salary can range from the union-mandated minimum of a few thousand dollars to over $1 million for the biggest names in the business. This article will break down the components of a television actor's salary, using the career of a successful actor like LaRoyce Hawkins as a framework for understanding.
What Does a Television Actor Do?
A television actor's job extends far beyond simply memorizing lines and performing on camera. As a series regular—like LaRoyce Hawkins in his role as Officer Kevin Atwater—the responsibilities are multifaceted and demanding.
The core of the job involves embodying a character consistently, often over many years and hundreds of episodes. This requires in-depth character analysis, collaboration with writers and directors to shape the character's arc, and the ability to deliver nuanced performances under tight production schedules. A typical workday involves long hours on set, multiple takes for each scene, and significant time spent in wardrobe, hair, and makeup. Off-set, actors engage in script preparation, dialogue coaching, and physical training if the role requires it. For a successful show, actors also participate in promotional activities, including press interviews, photo shoots, and fan conventions, serving as ambassadors for their series.
Average Television Actor Salary
It is nearly impossible to state a single "average" salary for a television actor due to the extreme variability in roles and experience. Instead, it is more accurate to look at salary tiers based on union minimums and role status.
The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) sets the minimum rates for most professional productions. According to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA Television Agreement, the minimum per-episode salary for a Series Regular on a major network show (one hour) is approximately $9,522 per week for the run of the show, guaranteeing payment for a set number of episodes per season.
However, this is just the floor. A salary landscape looks something like this:
- Entry-Level (Co-Star/Day Player): An actor with one or two scenes may earn the SAG-AFTRA daily minimum of $1,082 or the weekly minimum of $3,756.
- Mid-Career (Guest Star): A prominent guest star in a single episode can command anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 per episode, depending on their profile.
- Senior/Established (Series Regular): This is the category where an actor like LaRoyce Hawkins fits. Having been with "Chicago P.D." since its inception in 2014, his per-episode salary has likely grown significantly from the union minimum. Established regulars on successful, long-running network shows typically earn between $25,000 and $100,000 per episode. The lead actors on these same shows can often earn more.
*(Source: SAG-AFTRA, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter)*
Key Factors That Influence Salary
An actor's quote—their established salary rate—is not arbitrary. It is built upon several key factors that agents use during contract negotiations.
### Years of Experience
Experience is paramount in determining an actor's salary. A newcomer will almost always start at or near the union minimum (known as "scale"). With each successful season, an actor's value and negotiating power increase. An actor who has been a series regular for a decade, like LaRoyce Hawkins, has proven their reliability, audience appeal, and importance to the show's success. This longevity is the single most significant driver for salary increases during renegotiations, which typically occur every few seasons.
### Area of Specialization (Role Status)
In acting, "specialization" translates to role status. The pay structure is hierarchical:
- Series Regular: The highest-paid and most stable role. These actors are contracted for an entire season and are central to the show's narrative.
- Recurring Guest Star: Appears in multiple episodes but is not in every one. Their per-episode fee is negotiated and is higher than a standard guest star but lower than a regular.
- Guest Star: Plays a significant role in a single episode.
- Co-Star: A smaller role with only a few lines.
This hierarchy directly dictates the baseline salary and potential for earning.
### Company Type (Network and Platform)
The "company" producing the show drastically affects salary. A primetime show on a major network like NBC, CBS, or ABC often has larger budgets and longer seasons (20-22 episodes) than other platforms. This means a higher potential for annual income. In contrast:
- Streaming Giants (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video): May pay a very high per-episode rate but often have shorter seasons (8-10 episodes).
- Premium Cable (HBO, Showtime): Known for prestige projects and high per-episode pay, but also with shorter seasons.
- Basic Cable/Other Streamers: Budgets and pay scales can vary widely.
Being on a successful, syndicated network procedural like "Chicago P.D." provides a stable, high-volume workload that is highly lucrative.
### Geographic Location
While remote work has changed many industries, high-level television production is still concentrated in a few key hubs. Los Angeles and New York remain the epicenters of the industry, where most deals are made and major shows are cast. However, Atlanta, Vancouver, and Chicago (where "Chicago P.D." is famously filmed) have become major production centers with significant opportunities. Working consistently in one of these markets is essential for securing the roles that command higher salaries.
### Level of Education
Unlike many professions, a specific degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a successful actor. However, formal training is a powerful asset. Many successful actors hold degrees like a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in acting or theatre. These programs provide foundational skills in voice, movement, and character analysis. More importantly, they provide a network and a showcase for agents and casting directors. Continuous education through workshops, private coaching, and scene study classes is standard practice for actors at all career levels who want to maintain and sharpen their craft.
Job Outlook
The demand for actors is projected to grow, driven by the explosion of content creation from streaming services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for actors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The BLS reports the median hourly wage for actors was $23.48 in May 2021. However, this statistic can be misleading as it includes a wide range of performers (including theater and smaller projects) and doesn't fully capture the "per-episode" contract structure of television.
Despite the positive growth outlook, it is crucial to note that competition for high-paying series regular roles remains incredibly intense. The number of aspiring actors far exceeds the number of available positions.
*(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Actors)*
Conclusion
While the precise salary of a specific actor like LaRoyce Hawkins remains confidential, analyzing the industry standards reveals a clear path to a six- or even seven-figure annual income. Achieving this level of success is not a matter of luck; it is the result of talent, persistence, strong business acumen, and years of dedicated work.
For anyone considering a career in television acting, the key takeaways are:
- Start with a Foundation: Build your craft through training and education.
- Gain Experience: Every role, from a co-star line to a major guest spot, builds your resume and "quote."
- Understand the Tiers: The goal for financial stability and high earnings is to achieve "Series Regular" status.
- Be Persistent: Success like that seen on the cast of "Chicago P.D." is a marathon, not a sprint, built over a decade of consistent, high-quality work.
The path is challenging, but for those with the talent and tenacity, a career as a television actor can be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding.