Some say reality TV doesn’t pay, and that’s true in certain cases. “Exposing your personal life to national scrutiny isn’t always that lucrative,” MoneyWise reports. “In fact, some cast members earn absolutely nothing for their TV appearances.” They note how much “The Bachelor” contestants make for laying their souls bare — which isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things.
However, that’s not the case for “Below Deck.” Depending on the crew’s longevity and rank, they can earn serious bank, or just “peanuts.” Salaries are strictly secret, but US Weekly has quotes about their moolah from various cast members. “While we do get paid better than a normal yachtie, of course, we are still not getting paid what people like the Housewives are making,” First Officer Eddie Lucas said to the New York Post. He claimed he was paid “peanuts” in comparison, which was annoying “because [they’re just] going out to dinner and fighting.” As opposed to sailing and fighting, presumably.
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Jessica Moore, Ciara Duggan, and Tiffany Copeland weighed in on the show’s Instagram fan page, and they all seconded Lucas’ claims. “Would be nice to get residuals when reruns air, at least!” Copeland wrote. However, Captain Sandy Yawn from “Below Deck Mediterranean” begs to differ. She told US Weekly it’s all down to “negotiation” skills, and hers must be stellar, as The Things estimates, she’s worth a staggering $400,000. But Captain Lee Rosbach and Chef Ben Robinson are apparently worth even more than that.
