From high-speed car chases to breathtaking leaps from skyscrapers, stunt doubles are the unsung heroes of the film and television industry. They create the thrilling, high-stakes moments that captivate audiences worldwide. But beyond the adrenaline and on-screen action lies a serious profession requiring immense skill, physical prowess, and dedication. So, what is the earning potential for this demanding career?
While the path is less traditional than a 9-to-5 job, a successful stunt double can build a lucrative and exciting career. Annual earnings can vary significantly, often ranging from $60,000 to over $150,000, with top-tier professionals earning substantially more based on their skills, reputation, and the projects they undertake.
This guide will break down the salary you can expect as a stunt double and the key factors that determine your income.
What Does a Stunt Double Do?
A stunt double is a highly trained professional who stands in for an actor to perform dangerous, physically demanding, or specialized actions on camera. Their job is to perform these "gags" or stunts with precision and safety, all while mimicking the actor's movements and appearance to maintain the illusion for the audience.
Their responsibilities go far beyond just performing the stunt. They include:
- Rehearsal: Practicing and choreographing complex sequences to ensure they are executed flawlessly and safely.
- Collaboration: Working closely with the Stunt Coordinator, director, and camera crew to plan the shot.
- Safety Checks: Rigorously inspecting all equipment, from safety harnesses and wires to vehicles and landing pads.
- Physical Conditioning: Maintaining peak physical fitness to meet the diverse demands of the job.
Average Stunt Double Salary
Unlike salaried employees, most stunt doubles work as independent contractors on a project-by-project basis. Therefore, their income is typically measured in daily or weekly rates, primarily governed by union contracts.
The most influential body in the United States is the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The vast majority of professional stunt work on major films and television shows falls under their jurisdiction.
- According to the most recent SAG-AFTRA rate sheets (2023-2024), the minimum daily rate for a stunt performer is $1,181 per day. The minimum weekly rate is $4,143 per week.
This base rate is just the starting point. An annual salary depends entirely on how consistently a performer can secure work. For example, a stunt double who works just 20 weeks a year at the minimum weekly rate would earn $82,860.
Salary aggregators, which collect self-reported data, provide a broader look at annual income potential.
- Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for a stunt performer in the United States is approximately $79,898, with a typical range falling between $65,998 and $97,398.
- Glassdoor places the likely range between $62,000 and $104,000 per year.
These figures highlight that while the daily pay is high, consistent employment is the key to a six-figure income.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A stunt double's base rate is a floor, not a ceiling. Several critical factors can dramatically increase their earning potential, pushing top performers' incomes well into the hundreds of thousands.
Years of Experience
Experience is paramount in the stunt industry. A newcomer, often called a "green" performer, may initially only be hired for basic falls or background action. As they build a resume and a reputation for reliability, safety, and skill, they gain the trust of Stunt Coordinators.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Primarily earns the SAG-AFTRA scale rate. Work may be less consistent as they build their network.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): Has a solid reputation and a network of contacts. Is hired for more complex stunts and may receive frequent "stunt adjustments" (see below).
- Senior/Elite (10+ years): Highly sought-after performers who may become Stunt Coordinators (planning stunts for the entire production) or Second Unit Directors, commanding significantly higher salaries. Top-tier doubles for A-list actors can negotiate exclusive contracts and higher rates.
Area of Specialization
General athleticism is a prerequisite, but specializing in high-demand or high-risk skills is where top earners separate themselves. The riskier and more technical the stunt, the more a performer is paid. This extra pay is formally known as a "stunt adjustment" or "bump." This is an additional fee negotiated with the production *on top of* the daily rate for a specific stunt.
Key specializations that command higher pay include:
- Stunt Driving: High-speed chases, precision driving, car crashes, and motorcycle stunts.
- High Falls: Leaping from significant heights onto airbags or into water.
- Fire Burns: Safely performing while being set on fire, requiring extensive protective gear and training.
- Fight Choreography & Wire Work: Expertise in martial arts, sword fighting, and being suspended from wires for acrobatic sequences.
- Water Stunts: Complex underwater work, boat stunts, and managing difficult water conditions.
A single, complex fire burn could add thousands of dollars in adjustments to a performer's pay for that day.
Geographic Location
Like most careers in entertainment, location matters. Stunt performers must live in or be willing to travel to production hubs where films and television shows are made.
- Los Angeles, California: The historical center of the film industry, offering the highest volume of opportunities.
- Atlanta, Georgia: A major production hub thanks to tax incentives, with a massive demand for stunt talent.
- New York, New York: A primary center for both film and television production.
- Vancouver, Canada & London, UK: Major international hubs for large-scale productions.
While these locations offer the most work, they also come with a higher cost of living and more competition.
Company Type (Production Budget)
The scale of the production directly impacts pay. A massive, nine-figure blockbuster from a studio like Disney or Warner Bros. will have a much larger budget for stunts than a small independent film or a regional commercial.
- Major Studio Films: Offer the highest potential for significant stunt adjustments and consistent work over several months.
- Network/Streaming Television: Provides steady employment, especially on action-oriented series.
- Independent Films: Budgets are tighter, and pay may be closer to the union scale minimum.
- Non-Union Work: Typically pays much less and may lack the safety protocols and benefits (like health and pension contributions) that come with SAG-AFTRA contracts.
Level of Education
Formal education, such as a bachelor's degree, is not a requirement for becoming a stunt double. Instead, "education" in this field refers to highly specialized training. A stunt performer's resume is their list of skills. Continuous investment in training is a direct investment in their earning potential.
Examples of essential training include:
- Gymnastics and acrobatics
- Multiple disciplines of martial arts
- High-performance stunt driving schools
- Scuba diving certification
- Rock climbing and rappelling
The more verifiable skills a performer has, the more versatile and valuable they are to a Stunt Coordinator.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups stunt performers under the broader category of "Actors." According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for actors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This positive outlook is driven by the explosive growth of content creation for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, which are heavily investing in action-packed films and series. While the rise of CGI is notable, there is a strong and growing demand for the authenticity that practical stunts provide.
However, the BLS also notes that competition for all acting roles, including stunt work, is intense. Success depends on talent, training, and persistence.
Conclusion
A career as a stunt double is far from a typical job, and the salary reflects that. It is a freelance profession where income is directly tied to skill, reputation, and the ability to consistently secure work in a competitive industry.
Here are the key takeaways for anyone considering this path:
- Income is Project-Based: Your annual salary will be a sum of daily/weekly rates, not a fixed figure.
- Union Rates are Key: Joining SAG-AFTRA is essential for working on professional productions and securing guaranteed minimum pay and protections. The current daily scale rate is over $1,100.
- Skills Drive Higher Pay: Specializing in high-risk areas like fire burns, high falls, and stunt driving leads to significant "stunt adjustments" that can drastically increase earnings.
- Experience Builds Your Career: Your reputation for safety, skill, and professionalism is your most valuable asset.
For those with the physical courage, discipline, and dedication to master their craft, the life of a stunt double offers an opportunity for a financially rewarding career that is anything but ordinary.