Top NCIS Cast Salaries Per Episode
As of the most recent public data, the main cast of NCIS earns between 300,000 and 500,000 per episode, with the lead actor at the higher end of that range. The show remains one of the highest-rated dramas on CBS, and its per-episode compensation reflects both long tenure and strong ratings performance. For context on how broadcast drama salaries compare to other long-running series, see this overview of TV actor pay structures on Forbes. The core cast includes the lead investigator, the medical examiner, the office manager, and several recurring agents, each with a clearly defined per-episode rate tied to their contract tier.
Contracts for the principal NCIS cast typically include per-episode fees, backend profit participation, and retention bonuses tied to multi-season renewals. The lead actor's per-episode salary is supplemented by backend points that can significantly increase total compensation when the show delivers strong streaming and syndication revenue. Additional cast members who joined in later seasons often start at lower per-episode rates but receive raises upon contract renegotiation. This structure mirrors standard broadcast compensation models, where upfront fees and profit sharing are balanced across the ensemble.
Breakdown of NCIS Actor Pay by Role
The lead actor commands the highest per-episode salary, reflecting decades of association with the franchise and the character's central role in the series. The second-billed actor and the medical examiner role typically earn slightly less per episode, with exact figures varying based on seniority and negotiation leverage. Supporting cast members, including the office manager and field agents, earn per-episode rates that are lower than the top tier but still well above the industry median for network dramas. The pay gap between the lead and the supporting ensemble is consistent with standard Hollywood compensation bands for long-running procedural series.
Recurring and guest actors on NCIS are paid per episode at rates that are markedly lower than the main cast, often falling within the range typical for episodic guest roles on major network procedurals. Stand-in and day-player roles receive per-episode fees that are structured around union rate cards, with additional premiums for stunt work or specialized scenes. The show's production company negotiates these rates in line with guild guidelines and the series' overall budget, ensuring that each role is compensated according to its screen time and narrative importance. For a broader look at how entertainment unions shape per-episode pay, refer to this industry analysis on the SEC's public filings page for major entertainment companies.
NCIS Production Budget and Salary Context
NCIS operates with a per-episode production budget that supports its large cast and extensive location shooting, with actor compensation representing a significant portion of that budget. The per-episode salary figures for the main cast are publicly estimated through industry reports, talent agency disclosures, and contract filings where available. These estimates place NCIS among the higher-paying network dramas on a per-episode basis, though the exact figures remain confidential due to non-disclosure clauses in individual contracts. The show's long run and consistent viewership give its producers leverage to structure competitive compensation packages that retain key talent across multiple seasons.
When compared to other long-running CBS procedurals, NCIS cast salaries per episode align with the upper tier of network drama compensation, reflecting the series' durability and audience share. The production company behind NCIS leverages the show's strong ratings and syndication value to justify the per-episode investment in its lead and supporting actors. Backend participation and profit-sharing arrangements further tie cast compensation to the show's overall financial performance, creating incentives for the core ensemble to remain with the franchise. For additional context on how major entertainment companies report talent costs, see this financial overview on the Tesla investor relations page.