What Can I Earn as a Stuntman or Stuntwoman?

Embarking on a career as an action actor or stunt performer is a thrilling step, a successful career is going to be filled with excitement, challenges, adrenaline-pumping moments and the opportunity to be part of bringing action scenes and sequences to life. However, as with any career, it's essential to consider the financial landscape before diving in. So, what can you expect to earn as a stuntman or stuntwoman? The answer varies a lot based on many factors, including your location, the type of stunt or action you're performing, and the specific project. Working as a freelancer / independent performer you are also a business, and there's also your costs to consider. Let's start to break it down.

Variability in Rates: Understand the Rate and Pay Structure, locally, for the type of work you are seeking 
Just like Stunt Performers and Actors, the rates are far from uniform. There are general skills most will have, and there are more specialised skills. Rates will reflect that. Newcomers can't expect to recieve the same income and volume of work seasoned experts might. Rates can vary internationally too, and even within the same country, based on regional standards and the nature of the job. For instance, a seasoned stunt performer in Hollywood might command a different rate than someone just starting out, and that will differ from the  the UK's film industry, which is different from Live Shows.

This is why it is important to research your local rates, gain advice from people in your local area, and familiar with the type of work you want to do. Also, consider adjustments and also your level of experience and expertise in that specific type of work. 

The type of stunt also plays a crucial role—high-risk stunts typically pay more due to the increased danger involved. Additionally, the number of times a stunt is performed can affect your pay.

If you cannot act, your can't go after work which requires strong acting skills, especially for action work where you must blend the talents of acting with the technical and physical skills required for stunts. If you have no experience in precision driving, it's not wise to try and take jobs that require advanced driving skills. Specialist jobs are for specialists and if you do not excel in that specialism it isn't realistic to expect to command the premium rates, and you need to consider the costs of the training you'll need to become competent, which means you are investing and need to earn that back before you see profit...

Rehearsal vs. Performance Days
Stunt work isn't limited to the high-octane moments captured on camera. Rehearsal days, where performers learn, practice and perfect their choreography's scenes and stunts, and rehearse with others so everyone is in sync and the scene can be delivered precisely and perfectly, are equally important (if not more important). However, these days often come with different pay rates compared to performance days. It's common for rehearsal days to be compensated at a lower rate, despite their importance in ensuring safety and precision. 

​Diversification of Skills
The more skills you have, the more opportunities you can pursue. If you can act, rig, perform specialist stunts, operate a camera, or work as safety crew, you can open yourself up to a wider range of jobs. Specializing in one area isn’t a bad thing, but it can limit your opportunities, especially if that particular type of work is scarce or highly competitive.

Pitching yourself at a cheaper rate to undercut competition might initially bring you some work, but it can also lead to several pitfalls. You might attract lower-quality jobs that come with safety compromises, and you could face reputational challenges from more established performers. Additionally, working for less reduces your net income, leaving you with less to cover costs and invest in your future.

We advise anyone considering a career in performing arts to be a multi-skilled individual with a diverse range of talents. This approach increases your chances of finding work, especially at the start of your career or during industry downturns, ensuring you stay in the game.

Beyond the Paycheck: The Hidden Costs of being a Performer (the cost of doing business)

Operating as a Business
One critical aspect many aspiring performers overlook is the need to think like a business owner and run themselves like a company. This means understanding the distinction between gross income (total earnings before expenses) and net income (what's left after deducting all your costs of doing business).

It's easy to be dazzled by a great paycheck, but without careful financial planning, you might find yourself breaking even or even operating at a loss. And each tax year you technically start in a loss. You have your fixed costs for the year and must work to cover all those and your taxes before you can start to see profit later in the year. If you plan and live month to month or week to week the same applies. 

Essential Costs to Consider

1. Training and Education: Continuous training is essential to stay at the top of your game and adapt to new techniques and safety protocols. This includes classes, workshops, and sometimes private coaching. These things are an investment. By learning skills and becoming capable and credible you can then start to recoup the investment by working in that discipline. If you're continually paying for classes in a field you are not credibly going to find regular work in, or it will take you years to become proficient, that takes money away from your day-to-day funds, meaning you need to find more work in another field to cover this.  
   
   
2. Nutrition and Fitness: Maintaining peak physical condition requires a dedicated investment in nutrition and fitness, including gym memberships, personal trainers, and dietary supplements. These are costs you must plan into your budget.
   
   
3. Equipment and Gear: High-quality, specialised equipment is a necessity. This could range from harnesses and pads to custom costumes and props. Those are costs you need to cover before you see a profit.
   
   
4. Insurance: Given the inherent risks, comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable. There are now dedicated Stunt Performer insurance policies available in some regions but typically you'll be needing to get cover using a few different policies. This should include health insurance and liability insurance, and if you're regularly travelling a policy to cover that might be a good idea.
   
   
5. Lifestyle Costs: Regular living expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation need to be factored into your financial planning.
   
   
6. Travel Expenses: Stunt performers often need to travel for work, which can incur significant costs. Is the production paying for this or are you covering it, meaning you're deducting this from your fee. Flights, petrol, hotels and food add up quickly.  
   
   
7. Taxes and Accounting: Whether you use an app or professional accounting services, a good accountant can help you to set yourself up for success, explain how to manage and account for your costs and income, what you can claim back against tax in your local country (it differs from country to country), and then you can start to manage your finances and ensure you're compliant with tax regulations. ALWAYS remember to cover your tax liability and put that money aside for the end of the year. 
   
   

Planning for Profit
If you think like a business owner, each new tax year essentially starts you in the red. Fixed costs such as training, equipment, and insurance need to be covered throughout your year before you can start making a profit.

Your goal as a business owner is to secure enough work to cover these base level expenses or fixed costs, and also generate a surplus. The surplus should provide you with money to enjoy the present and provide some savings for future financial security, after tax and deductions. 

Understand the difference between Net and Gross
Imagine the ocean. You throw in a net and pull it out, and inside your net there are a few fish. Your Gross income is the ocean. Your Net income is the few fish you get to keep.   

If you have a high cost of living and lots of expenses, your gross income needs to be much higher than your costs, and your net income must cover your costs plus leave you with a profit. Similarly, if the costs of taking a job are higher than the money you are left with, or you are doing more free work than paid work, eventually you will run out of funds and be unable to support yourself to stay in the game. 

The greatest threat to performers is giving up on the dream too early...
People often think injury is the greatest threat to performers, but being honest, running out of money and giving up on the dream, or being forced to take other work and giving up too early in your career is probably the greatest reason people leave the industry at the early stages.

Build a Sustainable Career
A successful action Actor or Stunt Performer will be someone who isn't just technically skilled and physically capable. It is someone who also understands that career longevity relies on both physical health and financial stability.

Investing in high-quality training and equipment, keeping up your training and having somewhere to practice and a good group to train with, while maintaining excellent health and fitness, and managing finances diligently are all crucial.

Additionally, diversifying your skills to be able to take a wider range of work and staying adaptable to different types of work can help ensure a steady stream of income.

So, what can you earn as a stuntman or stuntwoman?
As we have shown, the answer is complex and very individualised. Finding the answer that is right for you and your career, in your region, requires research and a strategic approach to managing your costs, income and profitability, to achieve the financial stability that will underpin your career and its development, long term. You must think beyond the day rate!

By viewing yourself as a business, you can navigate the financial ups and downs of what can be an exhilarating lifestyle and build a sustainable and rewarding professional career.

Remember, while the thrill of the stunt is what draws many to this field of work, understanding the financial realities and planning accordingly is what will keep you in the game for the long haul.

Stay informed, stay prepared, manage your money well and most importantly, stay safe!