Stunt double pay reflects the physical risk and specialized skills required on set, with earnings shaped by experience, project budget, and union agreements. Understanding how rates are calculated helps professionals negotiate fairly and production teams budget accurately.
This guide breaks down compensation structures, standard rates, and career factors that influence stunt performer income across film, television, and streaming productions.
| Experience Level | Typical Daily Rate (USD) | Key Pay Factors | Common Work Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry / Trainee | 250–400 | Helpers, background work, training under coordinators | Indie features, student films, regional theater |
| Journeyman | 600–1,200 | Fights, wires, precision driving, steady camera work | Mid-budget TV, studio features, ad campaigns |
| Senior Specialist | 1,500–3,500+ | Complex stunts, leadership, SFX coordination, insurance ratios | Blockbusters, major streaming series, high-end commercials |
| Union Scale (SAG-AFTRA) | Minimum set by contract | Negotiated minimums, residuals, safety requirements | Major studio productions with union crews |
Daily Rates And Per Diem Structures
Base daily rates for a stunt double are quoted separately from per diem, which covers meals, lodging, and incidentals. Packages may include travel, accommodation, and transport depending on the production’s policy.
Union agreements establish baseline daily minimums, while non-union projects allow more negotiation. Location, currency fluctuations, and local labor laws can shift these numbers significantly for international shoots.
Project Budget And Union Influence
High-budget studio films and premium streaming series can afford top-tier rates, whereas indie or low-budget web series apply scaled fees. Union contracts through SAG-AFTRA and affiliated guilds standardize overtime, meal penalties, and safety protocols that affect net compensation.
Producers must also budget for insurance surcharges, standby pay, and rehearsal hours, which can add thousands to overall labor costs even before principal photography begins.
Physical Risk And Specialty Skills Premium
Stunts involving fire, water, high falls, or precision driving justify higher fees due to equipment, training, and insurance requirements. Specialists with certifications in rigging, marine operations, or pyrotechnics command premiums over general performers.
Insurers often require documented experience and proven safety records, which can restrict entry-level performers from higher-paying hazardous work until they build credentials.
Career Progression And Long Term Value
Early roles as a background extra or utility performer help build references and safety awareness before moving to paid doubles. Consistent on-set professionalism, reliability, and injury prevention records lead to repeat bookings and referrals.
Stunt coordinators and directors may retain a small retainer for trusted doubles between projects, smoothing income gaps during lean shooting periods.
Key Takeaways For Stunt Professionals
- Research union minimums and non-union market rates before quoting.
- Separate base rate from per diem, travel, and lodging in written contracts.
- Factor insurance requirements and specialty skills into pricing.
- Track incidentals such as standby time, rehearsals, and travel delays.
- Build references and safety records to justify premium rates over time.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do SAG-AFTRA rates affect stunt double pay on major productions?
SAG-AFTRA rates set the minimum daily and hourly pay, include overtime rules, and mandate meal penalties, which together form the baseline budget line for any union stunt work on covered productions.
What factors determine whether a stunt double earns a premium rate?
Premiums are driven by specialty skills such as high falls, vehicle stunts, fire work, wire work, and underwater sequences, along with the level of insurance required and the complexity of choreography and editing needs.
Can a stunt double negotiate residuals and backend participation in addition to daily pay?
Yes, residuals and backend participation are typically addressed in performer agreements for projects covered by union contracts, with upfront terms varying by budget, distribution window, and the star profile attached to the production.
How do location and currency differences impact international stunt double pay?
Shoots in countries with lower local labor costs may convert daily rates poorly due to exchange rates, while higher-cost cities increase per diem and lodging allowances, often requiring add-ons for travel, visas, and cross-border insurance.