ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Pete Davidson just revealed his 'Saturday Night Live' salary — and wow, we never saw that coming

Davidson's claim was the same as several other comedians who appeared on the show.
PUBLISHED DEC 19, 2024
Screenshot showing Pete Davidson on SNL (Image source: YouTube/Saturday Night Live)
Screenshot showing Pete Davidson on SNL (Image source: YouTube/Saturday Night Live)

"Saturday Night Live" has been known for bringing hilarious sketches and political satire as well as celebs to television. Given its success and star-studded line-up, fans often assume that its cast members must be making tons of cash. However, former SNL star, Pete Davidson recently busted the myth by revealing his salary on the show and people were left stunned. 

Screenshot showing Pete Davidson talking to New York Magazine (Image source: YouTube/E! News)
Screenshot showing Pete Davidson talking to New York Magazine (Image source: YouTube/E! News)

The actor and comedian starred on the NBC sketch comedy show for over 8 years from 2014 to 2022. Davidson gained fame on SNL with several memorable “Weekend Update” moments, characters, and sketches, that are loved to this day. 



 

He recently shared his experience with the New York Magazine in a rapid fire interview where he talked about how much he earned for each episode on SNL, as well as his “biggest indulgence” after getting his first paycheck.



 

While most expected to hear a nearly six-figure sum, Davidson said, “Do you guys know what they pay us? It’s like three grand an episode, so I think I got dinner!” Davidson wasn't the only star who came across the question. Since its creation in 1975, Saturday Night Live has kickstarted the careers of several comedians, writers, and actors including  Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, Rachel Dratch, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Murray, Cheri Oteri, James Austin Johnson, and many more.

Some of these stars also answered the very same question in the clip shared on Instagram. Talking about his biggest indulgence, "Ted Lasso" star, Jason Sudeikis who served as a cast member for nine years on SNL and worked as a writer for two years, said people didn't make enough money to spend on any indulgence.  



 

“I mean you don’t really make enough money to make big purchases,” he said adding that the biggest purchase he probably ever made with his first ever SNL paycheck as a writer was "New York rent".  

Actor and comedian Rachel Dratch joined the list of SNL stars who used their first paycheck on something practical such as rent. Another star, Cheri Oteri, shared that she too just got a couch. “I have gotten it reupholstered three or four times. I remember a designer coming over in tears and he goes, ‘Oh, those arms are too high. We’re going to get rid of that couch.’ I said, ‘Oh no. No, you’re not. Not today, Satan! The couch is staying, you’re going,'" she said recalling how special it was to her. 

However, there were some cast members who chose to splurge on luxuries. Julia Louis-Dreyfus shared that she bought a pair of shoes that were out of her budget. “I’ve got to tell you, I think they were $75," the actress shared with a little chuckle.



 

Bowen Yang was probably the only interviewee who came close to the expectations of fans. Yang shared that he went to a Saks store across the street and bought a pair of Gucci shoes. It was "the kind that everyone got and the kind that I wouldn’t feel super cool wearing out now," the actor said. 


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by New York Magazine (@nymag)


 

It is worth noting that as SNL is approaching its 50th anniversary, things may have changed for the show. Nevertheless, NBC plans to celebrate the milestone in grand fashion as is reportedly putting together a three-hour live primetime special.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The guest had no idea about the item being a Tiffany product and being embedded with a rare gem.
15 hours ago
The host was baffled by the goof up that the contestant made between two words.
16 hours ago
Carey showed that he has got the weapon of sarcasm, and he isn't afraid to use it.
17 hours ago
Whatever the host was expecting, it was far away from what the contestant said on national TV.
18 hours ago
The guest was surprised to learn more about the item he had actually found on the street for free.
20 hours ago
After going through everything on the board, the player left Harvey in hysterics with his answer.
1 day ago
As it so turned out, the weird-looking floor lamp was a piece from a very famous studio.
1 day ago
Most contestants were consistently getting the answers wrong, and Harvey was worried about what was next.
2 days ago
Some claimed that they got the puzzle despite English being their second language.
2 days ago
The letter was written to a columnist in response to a piece taking a swipe at Sinatra.
2 days ago
In a special episode of Celebrity Family Feud, a WWE star decided to go for the one thing Harvey is known for.
2 days ago
Luck was shining for her as she was off to a flying start and won the car with a single card.
2 days ago
Sajak had a witty reply for the contestant who was fanboying over White during the game.
5 days ago
The model said that considering White's age she would also take the offer from Sony.
5 days ago
Sheila won a brand new entertainment unit, complete with an HD plasma TV and mini bar from Howard Miller.
6 days ago
The appraiser disclosed that Yoakum began painting in the 1960s and he created one unique piece of art every single day.
6 days ago
The entrepreneur also managed to get the sharks to taste the vegan alternative meant for pets.
6 days ago
Throughout the game Monica tried to calm her nerves by placing her right hand over her chest.
7 days ago
Harvey later realized that the contestant had a crush on him and they had a moment.
7 days ago
The host had warned the men in advance to not risk their marriage for some points.
Mar 24, 2025