Most of the young cast of the hand-crafted show, Stranger Things exploded to stardom in 2016. Surrounded by experienced actors, the Netflix sci-fi smash hit’s young stars are an assembly of brilliant kid actors. When the showrunners sniffed out and rallied most of the main cast, they were gunning for only a single season. But Stranger Things has turned its stars into household names, surprisingly growing from a moderate web series into a mind-blowing global phenomenon.
One of Netflix’ most successful shows, the hit TV show is set in Hawkins, Indiana between late 1983 and mid-1985. Ever wondered what keeps viewers coming back for more and why the show became an instant hit after its first season in 2016? Portraying supernatural lore and monsters, Stranger Things is a unique show that has a fantastic blend of 80s nostalgia, classic horror tropes, and of course, teenage adventure. It’s young and adventurous characters have grown into the roles, delivering very rich human experiences, regardless of their real-time ages.
Following the massive success of the web series, the cast members also smiled to the bank with bigger paychecks. In fact, most of the main cast received $60,000 bonuses each after the first season and even more mouth-watery deals in the third season. Eager to find out what the bank accounts and net worths of the Stranger Things kids look like? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the young cast member’s earnings.
How Much Are Each of The Kids on Stranger Things Really Worth?
Millie Bobby Brown
Known for her psychic powers, Brown’s character, Eleven is the series breakout star. The Spaniard actress whose birthdate is February 19, 2004, became a fan favorite on the Netflix series and is considered a generational icon. From her captivity days at a super-secret facility for psychic children to her ‘unusual’ kid lifestyle which is a resultant effect of her strange upbringing, Eleven has undoubtedly come a long way on the show.
Although she made her TV debut at age nine with a guest role in Once Upon a Time, Brown gained critical acclaim on Stranger Things. The two-time Emmy nominated actress has several other TV credits including on Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, as well as the Godzilla movie franchise. Brown is also a model who has worked with top brands such as Calvin Klein, Moncler, and Converse.
Like other B Tier costars, Millie Bobby Brown was paid $20,000 per episode for the first and second seasons of Stranger Things. Following the overwhelming success of the web series, she was paid $300,000 per episode for the third season. Brown has a net worth that is currently estimated at $4 million.
Gaten Matarazzo
Often the party’s mediator, Gaten Matarazzo’s birthdate is September 8, 2002. His character Dustin Henderson on the hit Netflix series is nerdy and always comes in handy for his pals. Prior to Stranger Things, Matarazzo made a guest appearance on The Blacklist and featured in Katy Perry’s Swish, Swish music video. The actor’s paycheck in the first and second seasons of the web series was $20,000 per episode. He also got a bumper raise in the third season receiving $250,000 for each episode. Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth is currently pegged at $4 million.
Finn Wolfhard
Mike Wheeler is Eleven’s boyfriend and considers himself ‘The Party’ leader. The Canadian actor whose birthdate is December 23, 2002, bonded with his pals over Dragons and Dungeons on the Netflix hit. Though Wolfhard’s break out role is that of Mike Wheeler, he has been on the acting scene for quite a while. Prior to Stranger Things, the actor had some impressive minor roles on Supernatural and The 100. His other screen credits include The Turning, It: Chapter Two, The Addams Family, Ghostbusters 3, Carmen Sandiego, and The Goldfinch. Wolfhard is also musically talented. Not only does the actor play the guitar well, but he is also known as the lead singer of the Calpurnia band.
Finn Wolfhard’s paycheck in the first and second seasons of the Netflix hit was $20,000 per episode. But by the third season, the actor’s salary per episode was also upped to $250,000. Wolfhard currently enjoys a net worth that is estimated at $3 million.
Noah Schnapp
Schnapp’s character, Will Byers has been a key one in the web series. The American actor from New York is one of two kids born to his parents on October 3, 2004. His twin sister is named Chloe. His role as Will Byers is arguably his most famous role yet. The actor debuted on the acting scene with the film Bridge of Spies. Fans may recognize the young star from his other screen features including Charlie Brown’s voiceover in The Peanuts Movie as well its video game The Peanuts Movie: Snoopy’s Grand Adventure. More recently, he also featured in the movies Waiting for Anya and Abe.
Like his other B Tier co-stars, Schnapp’s paycheck in the first and second seasons of The Stranger Things was $20,000 per episode. He also got a bumper salary raise of $250,000 per episode in the third season. Noah Schnapp’s current net worth is estimated at $3 million.
Caleb McLaughlin
The oldest of all the teen stars on Stranger Things, Caleb McLaughlin plays the character, Lucas Sinclair. The actor whose birth date is October 13, 2001, is also loved for being one of Hawkins’ most loyal friends. He is considered the most confident party member. McLaughlin is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Prior to Stranger Things, he was famed for his debut theatre role as the younger version of Simba in The Lion King. On the small screen, he’s landed several guest roles in popular TV series including Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, as well as Blue Bloods.
McLaughlin’s paycheck in the first and second seasons of the hit Netflix series was $20,000 per episode. He also got a raise of $250,000 for each episode in the third season. Caleb McLaughlin’s net worth is currently pegged at $3 million.
Joe Keery
Joe Keery plays the character, Steve Harrington, the school jock and is in the C tier cast category of the Netflix hit. The actor whose birthdate is April 24, 1992, can be recognized for his other screen credits including Chicago Fire, Empire, Slice, Molly’s Game, and Free Guy.
Keery is also a musician. He is a guitarist and an integral member of the Chicago-based band Post Animal. With the stage name Djo, Keery still combines his acting with singing and has a single titled Roddy under his belt.
The salaries of Keery and most of his C Tier costars in the first and second seasons of Stranger Things have not been disclosed. However, the actor received a paycheck of $150,000 per episode in the third season of the series. His net worth is currently pegged at $2.5 million.
Natalia Dyer
Dyer’s character Nancy Wheeler is also in the show’s “C tier” category. Considered a monster-fighter as well, Nancy is Mike’s older sister. She is popular among her school peers and dated DJ Steve Harrington. She also works as a summer intern at a local print media outlet. Natalia is an original cast member. The actress whose birth date is January 13, 1997, made her acting debut in the 2009 flick Hanna Montana: The Movie. Prior to Stranger Things, Dyer had more screen credits in short films including Velvet Buzzsaw, I Believe in Unicorns, Tuscaloosa, and Yes, God, Yes.
Natalia Dyer’s salary in the first and second seasons of the Netflix hit series has not been disclosed. But for the third season, she received a paycheck of $150,000 per episode. Dyer’s net worth is currently estimated at $800,000.
Charlie Heaton
Charlie Heaton plays the role of Jonathan Byers, the older brother to Will Byers and Nancy’s boyfriend. The British actor who is an original cast member endeared himself to his audience following his special love for photography and reputation as a loner.
Born on February 6, 1994, Heaton has other screen credits including Shut In, The Secret of Marrowbone, As You Are, and The New Mutants. The actor’s salary in the first and second seasons have not been disclosed but he received a paycheck of $150,000 per episode in the show’s third episode. Charlie Heaton’s net worth is pegged at $250,000.
Sadie Sink
The latest addition to the party, Sadie Sink plays the tomboyish character, Max. The Texan actress whose birthdate is April 16, 2002, joined the web series in its second season. Max was initially known as a skating and game enthusiast but later joined the core gang.
Sink was already an active entertainer before her role on Stranger Things. Fans can recognize the actress from her roles in American Odyssey, Chuck, Glass Castle, and Eli. Sadie Sink’s paycheck in the series has not been disclosed but her net worth is currently estimated at $200,000.
Dacre Montgomery
Max’s dreamboat brother Billy is played by Dacre Montgomery. The Aussie actor whose birthdate is November 22, 1994, joined the web series in its second season. A lifeguard at the local pool, Billy is better known as a bully at Hawkins High School.
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Prior to Stranger Things, Montgomery already had impressive screen credits including some short films like Power Rangers, A Few Less Men, and Better Watch Out. Montgomery’s paycheck on the show and his net worth have not been disclosed.
Maya Hawke
One of the newest characters on the web series, Maya Hawke plays the role of Robin. She joined Stranger Things in its’s third season as Steve Harrington’s new co-worker. Though a budding star, Hawke has deep roots in the entertainment industry.
The actress’s face and name might ring a bell to many and the reason is not far fetched. Born on July 8, 1988, Maya is the daughter of Hollywood stars Ethan and Uma Hawke. Prior to the Netflix hit, Hawke featured in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Little Women, Mainstream, and Human Capital. Hawke’s paycheck on the show and her net worth have not been disclosed.
Priah Ferguson
Lucas’ little sister Erica is played by American actress Priah Ferguson. She was born on October 1, 2006, and joined Stranger Things in its second season. A nerd at heart, Erica endeared herself to many on the show with her chilly attitude.
The Netflix hit is arguably Ferguson’s most famous role yet but she has appeared in a handful of short films as well as the comic flick The Oath. Ferguson’s paycheck on the show and her net worth have not been disclosed.
