How Much Do Stand-Ins Get Paid?
The pay rates for stand-ins vary depending on the specific kind of job.
The various pay rates for stand-ins working on union jobs usually are minimum amounts determined by SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements negotiated opposite producers. These minimum rates are below.
These minimums may only apply for productions in certain geographic areas where SAG-AFTRA covers stand-ins, like the “New York Zone,” the “Los Angeles Zone,” etc. Any questions about pay rates for stand-ins should be directed to SAG-AFTRA and the contract department covering the type of production.
These minimum rates were last updated on February 15, 2026.
The “Rate Expiry” dates link to rate sheets on the SAG-AFTRA website. Contact Stand-In Central to alert us about any errors or updates to these rates.
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| Job Type? → | SAG-AFTRA Contract | Pay Rate | Rate Expiry & Rate Sheet (Linked) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Commercials Contract | $493.40/8 hours, except $286.40/8 hours for test market (“non-air”) commercials | March 31, 2026 | |
| Movie (aka Feature Film) | Theatrical Agreement | $262/8 hours | June 30, 2026 | |
| Most Dramatic TV Series (Not Soap Operas) | Television Agreement | $262/8 hours, except $270/8 hours on “Legacy Exhibit A” series | June 30, 2026 | (Most TV stand-in jobs are non-Legacy Exhibit A series.) |
| Some Dramatic TV Series | Network Television Code | $248/8 hours | July 4, 2026 | (Rarely seen stand-in jobs.) |
| Soap Opera (TV Program) | Network Television Code | $36/hour | July 4, 2026 | 3-hour minimum. |
| Primetime Entertainment & Variety Show (TV Program) | Network Television Code | $36/hour | July 4, 2026 | 5-hour minimum (if show is 1 hour or more). |
| Awards Show (TV Program) | Network Television Code | $36/hour | July 4, 2026 | 7-hour minimum if show exceeds 1 hour. However, 3-hour minimum if show does not exceed 1 hour. |
| Talk Show (TV Program) | Network Television Code | $36/hour | July 4, 2026 | 4-hour minimum. |
| Promo (aka Promotional Announcement) | Network Television Code | $36/hour | July 4, 2026 | 3-hour minimum. |
| Industrial | Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Contract | $193/8 hours | October 31, 2028 |
For a complete overview of the job of the stand-in and callsheet terminology,
download The Stand-In Handbook and The Callsheet Cheatsheet.