When a show like *Pretty Little Liars* captures the global zeitgeist, fans are often curious about more than just the on-screen drama. A common question that arises is, "What kind of salary did the cast make?" While "Pretty Little Liar" isn't a job title, the career of a television actor is a real and often lucrative profession. For those on a hit series, salaries can escalate from modest beginnings to impressive figures, reportedly reaching over $40,000 per episode in the show's later seasons.
This article breaks down the reported earnings of the *Pretty Little Liars* cast, exploring the complex factors that determine an actor's salary on a major television production. We will analyze the career path, salary benchmarks, and the overall job outlook for professional actors, using data from industry reports and official sources.
What Does an Actor on a Hit TV Show Do?
While the query is "pretty little liars salary," the underlying profession is that of a television actor. The responsibilities of a main cast member on a long-running series like *Pretty Little Liars* extend far beyond simply memorizing lines.
Their role is a demanding, multi-faceted job that includes:
- Performance: Bringing a character to life authentically through multiple seasons, maintaining consistency while evolving with the storyline. This involves intense script analysis, character development, and collaboration with directors.
- Production Hours: Committing to long and often irregular hours on set, which can include early morning calls, late-night shoots, and 12-16 hour days.
- Promotional Duties: Acting as a brand ambassador for the show. This includes press junkets, interviews, talk show appearances, photo shoots, and engaging with fans on social media to maintain viewership and buzz.
- Rehearsals and Table Reads: Participating in extensive rehearsals with fellow cast members and directors to block scenes and refine performances before filming begins.
Essentially, being a principal actor on a hit show is a full-time commitment that blends artistic craft with the demands of a major marketing enterprise.
Average Actor Salary vs. The 'Pretty Little Liars' Salary
It's crucial to distinguish between the average actor's salary and the earnings of stars on a successful, long-running show.
For the profession as a whole, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median hourly wage for actors was $27.96 as of May 2023. However, this figure encompasses a vast range of work, from local theater productions to commercial work and small film roles. Many actors work project-to-project and face periods of unemployment. Salary aggregators like Payscale.com show a broad salary range for actors, from approximately $25,000 to over $213,000 annually, highlighting the significant variance in the industry.
In contrast, the main cast of *Pretty Little Liars* reportedly saw their salaries grow exponentially with the show's success. While initial salaries are rarely public, industry sources reported on their later-season earnings. According to a 2017 report from Variety, the four principal "Liars"—Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, and Shay Mitchell—were earning approximately $42,000 per episode during the show's final seasons. With 20 episodes in Season 7, this translates to a seasonal salary of roughly $840,000 each from acting alone.
Key Factors That Influence an Actor's TV Salary
An actor's paycheck is not a flat rate; it's determined by a complex negotiation influenced by several key factors.
### Show's Success and Longevity
This is perhaps the single most significant factor. An actor on a new, unproven show will earn far less than an actor on an established global hit. As a show like *Pretty Little Liars* grew from a teen drama into a cultural phenomenon over its seven seasons, the cast and their agents gained immense leverage to renegotiate their contracts for higher per-episode fees. This is a standard industry practice, with salary bumps often occurring after the second or third successful season.
### Role Significance and Screen Time
There is a clear hierarchy in television cast salaries. The main stars, like the four principal actresses in *PLL*, command the highest salaries as they carry the central narrative. Recurring characters who appear in some but not all episodes earn a lower per-episode rate, and guest stars who may only appear in one or two episodes are paid on a much smaller scale, often close to the union-mandated minimums set by SAG-AFTRA.
### Actor's Profile and Experience
An actor's pre-existing fame or "quote" heavily influences their starting salary. A well-known film star transitioning to television can command a massive salary from the first episode. For the *PLL* cast, most of whom were emerging talents at the time, their initial salaries would have been much more modest. Their value—and thus their salary—grew in tandem with the show's popularity. While a formal degree isn't required, extensive training, prior credits, and a strong professional reputation all contribute to an agent's ability to negotiate a better deal.
### Network and Production Budget
The type of "company" an actor works for—in this case, the network and production studio—is critical. *Pretty Little Liars* aired on Freeform (formerly ABC Family), a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. A major cable network backed by a media giant has a significantly larger budget for talent than a smaller independent production or a low-budget web series. Today, streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ are known for offering highly competitive, often multi-million dollar deals to attract A-list talent.
### Syndication, Streaming, and Residuals
An actor's per-episode salary is only part of their total compensation. Residuals are additional payments made to actors for the reuse of their work, such as when a show is sold into syndication (reruns on other networks), released on DVD/Blu-ray, or licensed to a streaming service. For a massively popular show like *Pretty Little Liars*, which continues to be streamed worldwide, these residual payments can provide a significant and steady income stream for years after the show has ended.
Job Outlook for Actors
For those inspired by the success of the *PLL* cast, it's important to have a realistic view of the acting profession.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for actors will grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS notes that competition for roles is extremely high, as the number of aspiring actors far exceeds the number of available positions.
However, the proliferation of streaming services and the constant demand for new content have created more opportunities than ever before. While securing a role on a hit show remains a challenge, the potential for a rewarding and financially successful career exists for talented, persistent, and well-prepared individuals.
Conclusion: The 'A' Story on Actor Earnings
Analyzing the "Pretty Little Liars salary" provides a fascinating case study in television actor compensation. While the reported figure of $42,000 per episode is impressive, it is not a starting salary but the result of being on a phenomenally successful show for seven years.
For anyone considering a career in acting, the key takeaways are:
- Earnings are highly variable: Success stories like *PLL* are the exception, not the rule. Most actors earn a modest living from a variety of projects.
- Success builds on success: An actor's salary is directly tied to the performance and longevity of their project. Contract renegotiations are a critical part of the career path.
- It's more than just a salary: Residuals from streaming and syndication are a vital component of long-term financial success for actors on hit shows.
- The field is competitive but growing: While the path is challenging, the ever-expanding media landscape continues to create new roles and opportunities.
Ultimately, the journey of the *Pretty Little Liars* cast demonstrates that a career in acting, while demanding and competitive, holds the potential for immense financial and professional rewards.