How Much Does The Vanderpump Rules Cast Get Paid?
One might assume that reality stars are paid quite handsomely for letting it all hang out on national television. Alas, we all know what they say about assuming. As with most salaries, it all depends on various circumstances.... including how long you've been going at it.
"When you're brand new, you definitely need that hostess job. I still was having to fit model. I still was having to be a hostess. Like, what I was making on the show was not covering much," Vanderpump Rules cast member Lala Kent revealed to host Jason Tartick on an episode of the "Trading Secrets" podcast in February 2022. Meanwhile, Scheana Shay's now-hubby but boyfriend at the time, Brock Davies, divulged in January 2022 on the "The Kyle and Jackie O Show," that he made zero, zilch, nada for appearing on the show alongside Shay, per Heavy. Womp, womp, womppp.
But what kind of dough are the cast members pulling in these days? The answer may or may not surprise you...
Vanderpump Rules salaries have come a long way
It's safe to say that these days most Vanderpump Rules cast members are rolling in the deep à la Adele.
As reported by In Touch, as of 2021, Tom Sandoval rakes in a staggering $25,000 per episode. Meanwhile, cast members Tom Schwartz, his now ex-wife Katie Maloney, Scheana Shay, Ariana Madix, and Lala Kent reportedly make anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 per episode, per StyleCaster. No doubt their new salaries are a far cry from the meager salary plus tips they were used to earning way back in the day.
Still, as much as things change, they stay the same... including the drama factor that is required of the cast members. "My show rewards me for confrontation and speaking up. I don't want to say that I like confrontation, but I will say that I'm great at it," Lala Kent declared during an appearance on the "Trading Secrets" podcast. "It's not something where I leave feeling amazing after it happens, but I know what I signed up for and I'm being paid for my thoughts." Make that money, honey!
Lisa Vanderpump is the highest paid
Perhaps, however, it's no surprise that "Vanderpump Rules" cast member and executive producer Lisa Vanderpump remains the highest paid on the hit reality show.
Per In Touch, the restaurateur turned reality star commands a whopping $50,000 per episode. Cha-ching! Still, that's small potatoes compared to her massive $90 million net worth — most of which was acquired prior to her days starring on reality television. "The restaurant business has always been a public arena. We've just got a bit of a different energy now, with the whole celebrity factor from the show." Vanderpump told the Hollywood Reporter in January 2020. But as for the secret to her long-lasting success and good fortune? "I've just always had quite a work ethic. I think it ties into being a mother, being a creator and being a hostess. I like to make people feel good," she explained. And that's something we can all raise our Pumptinis to! Cheers!