Stranger Things Season 5 is gearing up to premiere on Netflix within a few days, and the excitement is at its peak. The series will release in three volumes, with the first part streaming on November 26, 2025. As one of the platform’s most successful global titles, the show’s cast has not only gained massive popularity but has also seen a dramatic rise in their per episode salaries over the years.
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven/Jane Hopper, has witnessed the steepest jump among the cast. According to Boss Hunting, she began with a modest $20,000 per episode in Season 1. Today, her fee has skyrocketed to an estimated $250,000-$350,000 per episode, with reports suggesting she will make around $18 million for the final season nearly 150 times her original paycheck.
Finn Wolfhard
Finn Wolfhard, who essays Mike Wheeler, has also enjoyed a major pay bump. From $20,000 per episode in the first season, his salary now stands at approximately $375,000 per episode, as per Boss Hunting.
Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin & Noah Schnapp
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) started his journey with the same Season 1 salary of $20,000 per episode, but for the final season he is earning close to $875,000 per episode.
Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) reportedly earns the same amount, according to Business Insider, taking home around $7 million for the season. Noah Schnapp (Will Byers) falls in the same bracket, matching Matarazzo and McLaughlin’s earnings.
Winona Ryder & David Harbour
At the top tier are Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers) and David Harbour (Jim Hopper). Both stars earn a massive $1,187,500 per episode, making them among the highest paid actors on the Netflix series.
Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, Charlie Heaton & Maya Hawke
Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler) earns $750,000 per episode, as reported by Boss Hunting. Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) and Maya Hawke (Robin) also draw the same amount, bringing their total earnings to about $6 million for the final season.
As fans are already on the edge of their seats waiting for the finale, Joe Keery, aka Steve Harrington, has hinted at the show’s ending. For the unversed, Steve started out as a recurring cast in the first season but became the main and one of the most loved characters. While talking about the show’s ending, Joe Keery told ExtraTV, “I was very happy, though, with the way it wrapped up for me. Fans would absolutely like it.” He further hinted that the show’s ending might be bittersweet for the viewers.
The series will end with its fifth season. It will release in three volumes, with part one releasing on November 26, part two on December 26 and part three on January 1, 2026.
