Married At First Sight: How TV producers decide how much reality stars get paid

Reality TV contestants give up their day jobs to provide us with hours of entertainment, often putting their reputations on the line in the process.

But how much are they paid for their time? And who decides their allowances and/or cash prizes?

The answer varies depending on the show, with the lowest-paid reality stars being Married At First Sight participants, who get just $150 a day.

Pocket money: While there’s big money to be made on reality TV, not everyone is paid the same, with MAFS stars given an allowance of just $150 a day. Pictured: Stacey Hampton

On the other end of the spectrum, the winner of Australian Survivor is given a cash prize of $500,000.

In an interview with TV Tonight, Channel 10 executive Daniel Monaghan said that earnings are based on what the participants have to endure.  

‘We often have conversations, as I’m sure the others do, about what prize money should be,’ he explained.

Striking it rich! On the other end of the spectrum, the winner of Australian Survivor is given a cash prize of $500,000. Pictured: Lee Carseldine

Striking it rich! On the other end of the spectrum, the winner of Australian Survivor is given a cash prize of $500,000. Pictured: Lee Carseldine

‘It’s a conversation on every show, but it was deemed to be $250,000 for The Amazing Race for the intense process that they put them through.’

Meanwhile, Channel Seven’s My Kitchen Rules was forced to cut its prize money this year from $250,000 to $100,000.

According to Seven’s programming director, Angus Ross, this reduction reflects the current state of the economy.

Taking a cut: My Kitchen Rules was forced to cut its prize money this year from $250,000 to $100,000. Pictured: Pete Evans and Manu Feildel

Taking a cut: My Kitchen Rules was forced to cut its prize money this year from $250,000 to $100,000. Pictured: Pete Evans and Manu Feildel

‘The size of the prize money does not impact our ability to cast. I’d rather cut the prize money than impact what you see on screen,’ he said.

Other shows offering $100,000 in prize money include Australian Ninja Warrior, Australia’s Got Talent, Lego Masters, The Voice and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Seven’s upcoming series Pooch Perfect, hosted by Rebel Wilson, will also award the winners $100,000.   

It depends! Channel 10 executive Daniel Monaghan said that earnings are based on what the participants have to endure. Pictured: The Amazing Race's Jasmin and Jerome

It depends! Channel 10 executive Daniel Monaghan said that earnings are based on what the participants have to endure. Pictured: The Amazing Race’s Jasmin and Jerome

Doggie bag: Seven's upcoming series Pooch Perfect, hosted by Rebel Wilson (pictured), will also award the winners $100,000

Doggie bag: Seven’s upcoming series Pooch Perfect, hosted by Rebel Wilson (pictured), will also award the winners $100,000

The prize for MasterChef Australia is $250,000, while the winning couple on Love Island Australia walk away $50,000 richer.

But a higher cash prize doesn’t always equate to a successful series, with the since-cancelled The Hot House awarding winners $2million.

Similarly, the also defunct The Big Adventure was awarding a cash prize of $1million.

Making money: The prize for MasterChef Australia is $250,000, while the winning couple on Love Island Australia walk away $50,000 richer. Pictured: Poh Ling Yeow

Making money: The prize for MasterChef Australia is $250,000, while the winning couple on Love Island Australia walk away $50,000 richer. Pictured: Poh Ling Yeow

In contrast, Married At First Sight, one of the most successful reality TV shows in recent years, pays its participants just $150 a day.

Several former MAFS stars have said the allowance is far too low.  

‘You get $150 for the day, that’s it. But on top of that, you have to pay expenses,’ season five star Nasser Sultan told Woman’s Day in January. 

Show me the money! Other shows offering $100,000 in prize money include Australian Ninja Warrior, Australia's Got Talent, The Voice and I'm a Celebrity. Pictured: Miguel Maestre

Show me the money! Other shows offering $100,000 in prize money include Australian Ninja Warrior, Australia’s Got Talent, The Voice and I’m a Celebrity. Pictured: Miguel Maestre

‘It’s not $150 clear. You still have to pay rent if you’re renting, you’ve got to pay your rego and it’s 12-hour filming days.’

Nasser added that the participants still have to buy their own groceries, which is often a ‘really expensive’ exercise.

Fellow 2018 participant Telv Williams also criticised the show’s allowance, telling News.com.au in April 2019 that the show doesn’t cover anyone’s personal expenses.

'You get $150 for the day, that's it. But on top of that, you have to pay expenses': Several former MAFS stars, including Nasser Sultan (pictured), have said the allowance is far too low

‘You get $150 for the day, that’s it. But on top of that, you have to pay expenses’: Several former MAFS stars, including Nasser Sultan (pictured), have said the allowance is far too low

‘You get paid $150 dollars a day, tax free. It’s s**t, it’s rubbish. Everything is off your own f**king back,’ he said. 

‘You’ve got to do all your own hair and makeup. You’ve got to do your own dress, buy your own clothes.’

But it’s an improvement from the early seasons of the show, when participants were reportedly paid just $150 per week. 

Racking up the bills: Fellow 2018 participant Telv Williams also criticised the show's allowance, telling News.com.au in April 2019 that the show doesn't cover anyone's personal expenses

Racking up the bills: Fellow 2018 participant Telv Williams also criticised the show’s allowance, telling News.com.au in April 2019 that the show doesn’t cover anyone’s personal expenses

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