When Game of Thrones burst onto our screens in 2011, nobody could have predicted just how massive it would become. This fantasy epic didn’t just change the television landscape – it completely revolutionized it.
Over its eight-season run, the show transformed from an ambitious adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novels into a global cultural phenomenon that had everyone talking about dragons, direwolves, and who would ultimately sit on the Iron Throne.
With its massive success came equally impressive paychecks for its talented cast. As the show’s popularity soared and viewership numbers broke records, the salaries of its stars reached heights that would make even the Iron Bank of Braavos take notice.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Game of Thrones salaries and see just how much these actors earned for bringing our favorite characters to life.
1. Kit Harington (Jon Snow) – $1.2 million per episode
Remember when Jon Snow was just the brooding bastard of Winterfell? Well, Kit Harington‘s journey from relative unknown to one of television’s highest-paid actors is nothing short of remarkable. Starting with a modest salary in the early seasons, Harington’s paycheck grew exponentially as Jon Snow became the show’s central figure.
By the final season, he was commanding an eye-watering $1.2 million per episode. That’s right – every time Jon Snow knew nothing, Harington knew he was earning more than most people make in a decade!
This massive salary bump came after intense contract negotiations for the final seasons, reflecting both his character’s increased importance and his own star power.
When you factor in his total earnings across all seasons, particularly the final ones, Harington walked away with an estimated $14.3 million. Not bad for someone who spent most of his time battling White Walkers in the freezing cold!
2. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) – $1.2 million per episode
Talk about a meteoric rise! Emilia Clarke went from being a fresh-faced drama school graduate to earning a dragon-sized salary of $1.2 million per episode (according to The Hollywood Reporter).
When she first stepped into Daenerys Targaryen‘s shoes (and that iconic platinum blonde wig), Clarke was practically unknown in the industry. But as her character evolved from a timid exile to the powerful Mother of Dragons, her salary soared higher than Drogon in full flight.
The journey wasn’t just about the money though – Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys became so iconic that she was soon landing major movie roles and endorsement deals.
Her salary negotiations for the final seasons put her in the same bracket as her co-star Kit Harington, proving that in the game of paychecks, the Mother of Dragons plays to win. Factor in all those epic scenes with the dragons (which, let’s be honest, were mostly tennis balls on sticks during filming), and you could say she more than earned her impressive paycheck!
3. Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) – $1.2 million per episode
Here’s a fun fact that would make Tyrion Lannister proud: Peter Dinklage‘s wit wasn’t the only thing that was golden – his paycheck was too! Already an accomplished actor before joining the show, Dinklage’s portrayal of the clever and complex Tyrion Lannister earned him not just multiple Emmy Awards but also a place among the show’s highest-paid cast members.
His salary of $1.2 million per episode (as per The Hollywood Reporter) in the final seasons reflected both his incredible performance and Tyrion’s crucial role in the story. Think about it – that’s more gold per episode than the Lannisters probably had in their mines!
Dinklage’s salary evolution throughout the series mirrored Tyrion’s own journey from the black sheep of House Lannister to one of the most powerful players in Westeros. And just like his character always paid his debts, HBO made sure to pay Dinklage what he was worth!
4. Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) – $1.2 million per episode
You know what they say – a Lannister always pays their debts, and HBO certainly paid Lena Headey handsomely for her iconic portrayal of Cersei Lannister! Commanding $1.2 million per episode (per The Hollywood Reporter) in the final seasons, Headey turned wine-drinking and window-gazing into an art form worth every golden dragon.
But let’s be real – her journey to that impressive paycheck was as calculated as one of Cersei’s power plays. Starting with a considerably smaller salary in Season 1, Headey’s pay grew alongside Cersei’s influence, eventually matching her on-screen brothers at the top of the pay scale.
No sword fights or dragon-riding for Cersei – instead, Headey captivated audiences with subtle expressions, cutting remarks, and enough side-eye to make the High Septon nervous.
From her character’s walk of shame (for which she used a body double) to that satisfying wine-sipping moment watching the Sept of Baelor explode, Headey proved that sometimes the most powerful performances come from the smallest gestures.
When you consider that many of her most memorable scenes involved simply sitting on a chair, drinking wine, and delivering devastatingly cruel lines with perfect timing, you realize that making evil look this effortlessly elegant is worth every penny.
And unlike Cersei, who lost everything in the end, Headey walked away from the series with both her reputation and bank account gloriously intact!
5. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) – $1.2 million per episode
Want to hear something that would make Tywin Lannister proud? Nikolaj Coster-Waldau‘s salary journey is almost as impressive as Jaime Lannister‘s character arc (before it was ruined)!
Starting as the despised “Kingslayer” who pushed a child out of a window, Coster-Waldau worked his way up to earning a whopping $1.2 million per episode in the final season (according to The Hollywood Reporter). That’s quite the golden hand, wouldn’t you say?
The Danish actor’s path to this impressive paycheck wasn’t just handed to him (pun absolutely intended). Like Jaime’s transformation from villain to complex hero, Coster-Waldau’s salary evolved as his character became increasingly central to the show’s narrative.
Think about all those physically demanding scenes – sword-fighting with his left hand, getting dragged around as a prisoner, that incredible bear pit rescue, and let’s not forget that emotional bath scene with Brienne that changed everyone’s perspective on the Kingslayer.
What makes his $1.2 million per episode even more impressive is how Coster-Waldau managed to make Jaime’s questionable choices (like constantly returning to Cersei) somehow understandable, if not forgivable. He brought such depth to the character that audiences went from despising Jaime in Season 1 to actually rooting for his redemption.
When you consider the emotional range required – from arrogant golden boy to humbled knight, from sister-loving villain to honor-bound hero and back again – you could argue he earned every coin of his Lannister-worthy salary. Besides, all that one-handed sword training must have cost a fortune in stunt coordinators!
6. John Bradley (Samwell Tarly) – $500,000 per episode
Who would’ve thought that being the smartest guy in Westeros could net you $500,000 per episode? John Bradley‘s portrayal of Sam transformed the character from a timid Night’s Watch recruit into one of the show’s most beloved figures.
“Thank you for trusting me with this character.” – @johnbradleywest#GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/eZ4jhDGbzT
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) May 20, 2019
Starting with a modest salary that probably wouldn’t even buy a decent book from the Citadel’s library, Bradley worked his way up to this impressive payday. His journey from scared boy to Grand Maester paralleled his real-life salary progression – slow but steady wins the race!
While he might not have earned as much as his best friend Jon Snow, Bradley’s ability to make reading books and discovering game-changing secrets thoroughly entertaining was worth every coin. Plus, think about all those scenes dealing with chamber pots at the Citadel – that alone deserves hazard pay!
7. Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth) – $300,000 per episode
From smuggler to salary goals! Liam Cunningham‘s portrayal of the beloved Onion Knight earned him a very respectable $300,000 per episode in the later seasons. While not quite reaching the heights of the Lannister-level paydays, it’s still the kind of money that would make any former smuggler proud.
.@liamcunningham1 as Davos Seaworth in #GoTSeason6. #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/30N0hwB97B
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) February 11, 2016
Cunningham brought such warmth and wisdom to Davos that he became one of the show’s moral compasses – and apparently, being the conscience of Westeros pays pretty well! His steady presence throughout the series, from advising Stannis to mentoring Jon Snow, made him indispensable to the story.
And unlike Davos’s famous fermented crab, Cunningham’s performance was consistently top-notch, earning him every bit of that salary.
8. Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) – $210,000 per episode
Now here’s a salary evolution that’s as impressive as Sansa Stark‘s character development! Sophie Turner literally grew up before our eyes on Game of Thrones, and her paycheck grew right along with her.
Starting as a 13-year-old newcomer earning what was probably pocket change by HBO standards, Turner worked her way up to an impressive $210,000 per episode by the final season. Talk about learning to play the game!
Just like Sansa evolved from a naive girl dreaming of princes to the Queen in the North, Turner’s salary negotiations showed she learned a thing or two about power plays.
Her performance brought depth to Sansa’s transformation from helpless hostage to skilled strategist, and that half-million per episode proves she was just as savvy off-screen. When you consider she was juggling X-Men movies alongside Game of Thrones by the end, you could say she was as busy as a Stark at a wedding (too soon?).
9. Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) – $210,000 per episode
A girl has a name, and that name comes with a pretty impressive paycheck! Maisie Williams, like her on-screen sister Sophie Turner, saw her salary climb faster than Arya Stark‘s body count.
Starting as an unknown 12-year-old actress, Williams ended up commanding $210,000 per episode in the final season (as per The Standard). Not bad for someone who spent most of her time running around with a tiny sword!
Her journey from earning beginner’s wages to landing this massive paycheck is as remarkable as Arya’s transformation from little tomboy to face-changing assassin.
Consider all those intense fight scenes, particularly that epic Night King takedown – Williams definitely earned every copper of her salary. And unlike Arya’s dancing lessons, these kinds of numbers would definitely impress Syrio Forel!
10. Isaac Hempstead Wright (Bran Stark) – $175,000 per episode
From being pushed out a window to becoming King of the Six Kingdoms – now that’s what we call upward mobility! Isaac Hempstead Wright‘s journey as Bran the Broken came with a not-so-broken salary of $175,000 per episode.
Starting as a child actor climbing castle walls, Wright grew into a young man who made sitting in a chair and staring intensely into the distance an art form worthy of royal compensation.
His ability to make Bran’s transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven believable (despite mainly just saying cryptic things and warging out at inconvenient moments) proved worth every copper. And let’s be honest – having to say “I don’t want anymore” with a straight face while literally becoming king? That deserves a bonus right there!
11. Conleth Hill (Varys) – $100,000 per episode
The Master of Whispers certainly wasn’t quiet about his worth! Conleth Hill‘s brilliant portrayal of the enigmatic Varys earned him $100,000 per episode by the show’s end. For someone whose character claimed to serve the realm, Hill served up some of the show’s most memorable scenes and diplomatic zingers.
This salary might not match the riches of his scene partner Peter Dinklage, but then again, Varys always claimed to care little for gold!
Hill’s ability to make standing around in robes while delivering cryptic messages completely captivating proved that sometimes the real power isn’t in armies or dragons – it’s in perfecting the art of mysterious head tilts and knowing glances. His little birds might have worked for free, but Hill definitely earned his keep!
12. Jerome Flynn (Bronn) – $100,000 per episode
Now here’s a salary that would make any sellsword smile! Jerome Flynn‘s portrayal of the lovably mercenary Bronn earned him $100,000 per episode – not quite enough to buy a castle, but definitely better than a sellsword’s usual rates!
Flynn turned what could have been a minor character into a fan favorite, serving up some of the show’s best one-liners while teaching both Lannisters and audiences that loyalty has a price.
His journey from Tyrion’s hired sword to eventual Lord of Highgarden might be impressive, but Flynn’s real-life salary progression is equally noteworthy. Like his character, Flynn knew his worth and negotiated his way up from a supporting player to an essential part of the show. You might say he got his castle after all!
13. Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont) – $100,000 per episode
Ser Jorah might have served Daenerys for free, but Iain Glen‘s portrayal of the eternally friendzoned knight earned him a healthy $100,000 per episode. From disgraced lord to devoted protector, Glen brought such dignity to Jorah that he made even getting repeatedly rejected look noble!
His steady presence throughout the series, surviving everything from greyscale to multiple exile attempts, proved as reliable as his performance. While this salary might not match the Khaleesi’s top-tier earnings, it’s still the kind of money that could buy a lot of cure-all ointments from the Citadel. Glen’s ability to make longing looks and “Khaleesi” utterances into an art form definitely deserved every golden dragon.
14. Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) – $100,000 per episode
What is dead may never die, but it sure can earn a solid paycheck! Alfie Allen‘s portrayal of Theon Greyjoy was one of the show’s most complex and challenging roles, earning him $100,000 per episode by the end. From cocky heir to Reek and back to redemption, Allen had to navigate quite a number of character transformations in the series.
His salary might not have been at Stark or Lannister levels, but considering the emotional depth he brought to Theon’s tragedy and redemption, he earned every silver stag. While Theon might have lost his confidence (among other things) to Ramsay Bolton, Allen’s performance only grew stronger, proving that what is dead may never die – but it can certainly get a nice raise!
15. Rory McCann (The Hound) – $100,000 per episode
Here’s a salary that would buy a lot of chicken! Rory McCann‘s portrayal of Sandor “The Hound” Clegane earned him $100,000 per episode (according to Bright Side), proving that being one of the most quotable characters in Westeros pays well.
McCann turned what could have been a simple warrior role into a complex character full of memorable lines and killer instincts (pun intended).
His journey from the Lannisters’ attack dog to a reluctant protector of Stark girls showed impressive range, and let’s not forget all those fight scenes – especially that final showdown with The Mountain.
When you consider he had to deliver lines like “F*** the king” with perfect timing while wearing heavy armor in brutal weather conditions, you might say he earned every penny of that Hound-sized paycheck!
16. Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger) – $100,000 per episode
Chaos might be a ladder, but a $100,000 per episode salary (as per The Things) is a pretty nice safety net! Aidan Gillen‘s masterful portrayal of the scheming Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish proved that playing the game of thrones pays well, even if you don’t make it to the final season.
Gillen’s ability to deliver complex monologues while simultaneously creeping everyone out (and somehow making that weird accent work) was worth every coin. His salary negotiations probably weren’t as complicated as Littlefinger’s plots, but they certainly paid off!
While his character might have met a fitting end at the hands of the Stark sisters, Gillen’s performance left an indelible mark on the series – and his bank account!
17. Carice van Houten (Melisandre) – $75,000 to $250,000 per episode
The night is dark and full of terrors, but Carice van Houten‘s paycheck was bright and full of zeros! The Red Woman’s mysterious presence on Game of Thrones earned van Houten an estimated $75,000 to $250,000 per episode. For someone who spent most of her time being cryptic, birthing shadow babies, and occasionally resurrecting major characters, that’s not a bad day’s work!
Her ability to make Melisandre both terrifying and sympathetic, while keeping audiences guessing about her true motives, was worth every ruby in her magical necklace. When you factor in all those night shoots (the night is dark, after all), complex prophecies to memorize, and that shocking age-reveal scene, you could say the Lord of Light was quite generous with his chosen actress!
Behind the numbers
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Game of Thrones economics, shall we? When the show first aired in 2011, the salary structure was about as modest as the Night’s Watch’s budget. But just like Daenerys’ dragons, these numbers grew exponentially with each passing season.
By the time we reached the final episodes, the show’s budget had swollen to a whopping $15 million per episode – enough to make even the Iron Bank raise an eyebrow!
The salary hierarchy tells its own story of power and influence, much like the show itself. The top-tier earners commanded the kind of money that would make Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ vault look like a peasant’s purse. Meanwhile, the supporting cast members, though not quite reaching those dragon-sized paychecks, still earned the kind of gold.
But here’s the really interesting part: Game of Thrones didn’t just change how we think about fantasy television – it revolutionized TV star salaries across the board. The show’s massive success proved that audiences would tune in week after week for complex storytelling and epic production values, making those enormous budgets worth every copper.
And let’s not forget – unlike most characters in the show, these actors actually got to enjoy their gold without any Red Weddings, face-stealing assassins, or dragons getting in the way. Now that’s what we call a happy ending!
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
