Always Sunny In Philadelphia Cast Salary

So picture this — you're watching Always Sunny in Philadelphia for the fourth time, Danny DeVito is wedged between two couch cushions, and the whole scene is so absurd that you almost skip past the episode credits. Then a thought hits you: these people are actors, right? So how much are they actually getting paid to be this gloriously ridiculous?

That's the question that started this whole rabbit hole for me — and honestly, the answers are kind of wild.

The Origins of a Comedy Giant

Always Sunny first aired in 2005, created by Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Kaitlin Olson. The show started on a shoestring budget — we're talking $70,000 per episode for the first season. The creators reportedly spent their own money just to get the pilot made.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and the show now has season 16 in the bag, making it one of the longest-running live-action comedies in American TV history. Naturally, the paychecks have grown right along with the show's cult following.

So What's Everyone Earning?

Let's start with the founding members. Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Kaitlin Olson — the holy trinity of terrible people at Paddy's Pub — each reportedly earn around $2 million per season in recent years. That's roughly $700,000 to $800,000 per episode, depending on how you break it down.

And yes, they're also executive producers, which means they're taking home backend profits too. So the real number? Probably significantly higher than what's publicly reported. (But hey, they earned it.)

Here is your chance to meet members of the cast of 'It's Always Sunny

Danny DeVito: The Legend's Cut

Danny DeVito joined the cast in Season 2 as Frank Reynolds — instantly becoming one of the show's most beloved characters. He reportedly earns in the range of $600,000 to $1 million per season.

Considering he's a screen legend who could be doing literally anything else, Frank Reynolds might be his best career decision yet. Imagine DeVito screaming about rum ham and getting paid for it. Life is beautiful.

Charlie Day and the Valley of the Very Rich

Charlie Day has clearly been the breakout MVP of this operation. Outside Sunny, he stars in Horrible Bosses, Pacific Rim, and the upcoming Line of Fire — so he's no longer relying on bird law to make ends meet.

On the show, he earns approximately the same as McElhenney, Howerton, and Olson — around $2 million per season. Not bad for a guy whose day job involves drinking paint and eating cat food. Just another Tuesday, really.

Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia Cast See The It's Always Sunny Gang

Charlie Day also reportedly earns around $150,000 per episode on other projects like Sunnyside and voice work. The man is printing money, and we're all here for it.

But Wait — The Older Numbers Were Explosive

Back in 2013, news broke that the four lead actors had negotiated a raise bringing them to $1 million individually — a massive jump from their original deals. Forbes reported that the cast's compensation was one of the most impressive for a cable comedy at the time. The show's popularity justified every penny.

By 2017, various reports indicated that the core cast members had renegotiated further, reaching the $2 million range per season. It's a testament to how big the show had become, despite — or maybe because of — being on FXX.

What About the Supporting Cast?

Glenn Howerton's character Dee's interactions always drag other recurring characters into the chaos, and those actors earn considerably less. Supporting and recurring cast members typically earn in the low-to-mid six figures per season.

Salaries of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' Cast Across All 17

Guest stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jameela Jamil reportedly don't take much pay at all — many sign on just for the experience of being on one of TV's most legendary comedies. How cool is that?

The Bottom Line

Always Sunny in Philadelphia started as a cheap passion project and became a multi-million-dollar television empire. The cast went from splitting outrageously low budgets to collectively earning tens of millions over the show's run. Not bad for a bunch of terrible people running a failing bar.

So next time Charlie is trying to earn a man's billiard balls by towing a boat, remember — he's doing it at an insanely comfortable salary. And honestly? Good for him.

You're welcome for the mental image. 😄