The Vampire Diaries Main Cast Paychecks Per Episode, Ranked

The SAG-AFTRA, representing US actors, has recently joined the writers' strike after failing to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Actors are demanding wage increases and contract renegotiations that would take into account the industry's use of AI.

In light of recent events, we recall how much actors were paid per episode on The Vampire Diaries — one of the most popular shows of the 2010s.

6. Steven R. McQueen – $15,000

In The Vampire Diaries, the actor played Jeremy Gilbert, Elena's younger brother who turned out to be her cousin after they discovered the truth about Elena's real parents. Despite playing a supporting character, McQueen received a decent per-episode paycheck of $15,000.

5. Michael Trevino – $15–20,000

Trevino's character Tyler Lockwood was the mayor's son and a member of one of the founding families of Mystic Falls. Tyler was also a werewolf and Klaus' first successful hybrid, and was killed by Damon Salvatore in season 8.

Reportedly, Michael Trevino earned just as much or slightly more than Steven R. McQueen.

4. Kat Graham – $35,000

At the beginning, Kat Graham's Bonnie was introduced as Elena's best friend — a carefree girl who didn't know anything about her supernatural abilities. However, Bonnie soon learned that she was a witch from an ancient family and had to protect Mystic Falls from supernatural creatures.

As Graham's character gradually moved from a supporting role to one of the leads, the actress' salary rose to $35,000 per episode by the end of the series.

3. Paul Wesley – $40,000

The "good one" of the Salvatore brothers, Paul Wesley's Stephan was Elena's love interest in the first half of the series, but she then switched to his brother Damon. In the last season, Stefan sacrificed himself to save Damon and let him and Elena enjoy a peaceful life.

Playing one of the main characters, Wesley was paid an impressive $40,000 per episode.

2. Ian Somerhalder – $40,000

Stefan's "evil" brother Damon was originally introduced as the antagonist but soon changed his ways and started dating Elena. Eventually, Ian Somerhalder's character became human again and started a normal, happy family with his beloved.

Somerhalder's salary was the same as his on-screen brother's — $40,000 per episode.

1. Nina Dobrev – $40,000

Besides being the love interest for the Salvatore brothers, Elena had a confrontation with one of the main antagonists of the series — her maternal ancestor Katherine Pierce. Her life changed dramatically when she learned of the existence of vampires and other supernatural beings.

It would seem that, as the main character, Nina Dobrev should've earned the most, but she was paid the same as Wesley and Somerhalder.