Pete Davidson's first SNL paycheck barely covered dinner

In a recent interview with New York Magazine, comedian Pete Davidson shared insights about his earnings on Saturday Night Live, where he was a cast member from 2014 to 2022. The clip featured various past and present SNL stars discussing their first paychecks and what they splurged on after receiving it. Davidson humorously mentioned that his first paycheck was about $3,000 per episode, jokingly adding, "I think I got dinner" after receiving that amount. This admission elicited surprise given the audience's expectations around celebrity salaries, especially for an SNL cast member with a lengthy tenure. Some viewers may react with disbelief, as many assume that high-profile comedians like Davidson earn significantly more. Davidson’s pay was reflective of the show's initial wages, which are known to be relatively low in the entertainment industry. Moreover, reports suggest that the salaries of SNL cast members do increase with tenure; first-year cast members reportedly earn around $7,000 per episode, and those who have been on the show for five seasons can earn up to $15,000 per episode. These escalating salaries highlight the disparity in earnings throughout a cast member's career on the show. Within the same discussion, other former cast members shared their financial experiences, illustrating that while Davidson's anecdote may seem surprising, he is not alone in navigating the financial dynamics of a long-term SNL career. For instance, Jason Sudeikis recalled that rent in New York was likely the largest purchase he made with his first earnings, emphasizing that many SNL newcomers are not making life-changing money. The conversation overall underscores the intriguing reality of salaries within the comedy world, where perceptions do not always align with the financial truth faced by many artists including Davidson. As we reflect on Davidson's comments, it serves to remind audiences that even recognizable comedic talents can experience financial challenges early in their careers, in stark contrast to the luxuries typically associated with public figures today.