How Much Do Wicked Actors Get Paid?

16 Feb

The musical Wicked is one of the most successful productions in theatre history, with performances on Broadway, the West End, and worldwide tours. Given its immense popularity, many theatre fans wonder, how much do Wicked actors get paid?

In this article, we break down the salaries of Wicked actors in different productions, including Broadway, the West End, and Wicked movie adaptation.

How Much Do Wicked Actors Get Paid in the West End?

In London's West End, salaries for theatre actors depend on the venue size and Equity union agreements.

West End base salaries (April 2024 update):
- Theatres with 1,100+ seats → £880.10 per week
- Theatres with 800–1,099 seats → £800.58 per week
- Theatres with up to 799 seats → £720.36 per week

Since the Apollo Victoria Theatre (where Wicked is performed) has over 2,000 seats, ensemble members earn at least £880 per week.

**How Much Do Lead Actors in Wicked Earn in the West End?**

Lead roles like Elphaba and Glinda earn significantly more than ensemble members.
Idina Menzel, who originated Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked and later performed in London, reportedly earned $30,000 per week (~£24,000 per week), making her the highest-paid female performer in the West End at the time.

For current lead actors in the West End, salaries likely range between £2,500 and £5,000 per week, depending on experience and contract negotiations.

*Wicked* on stage at the Apollo Theatre Victoria

How Much Do Wicked Actors Get Paid on Broadway?

Broadway actors generally earn higher salaries than those in the West End due to higher ticket prices and union agreements.

The minimum salary for Broadway actors is $2,439 per week (~£1,920 per week).
Lead actors and well-known stars can negotiate higher salaries, often exceeding $5,000 per week.

Since Wicked is one of Broadway’s highest-grossing shows, lead actors portraying Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero likely earn between $5,000 and $10,000 per week, depending on contract terms and experience.

How Much Do Wicked Tour Actors Earn?

For national and international tours, actors earn similar base salaries to Broadway, with additional allowances for travel and accommodation.

Minimum salaries for touring actors start at $2,500 per week.
Lead roles can earn $5,000+ per week, especially in large-scale international productions.

Tour actors also receive per diem payments to cover food and living expenses while traveling.

How Much Do Wicked Movie Actors Get Paid?

The upcoming Wicked movie adaptation, starring Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), has generated speculation about their salaries.

Initially, rumors suggested Grande was earning more than Erivo, but Universal Pictures confirmed that both actresses received equal pay.

How Much Are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Getting Paid for Wicked?

While exact salaries are undisclosed, industry experts estimate that both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo earned between $10 million and $20 million each for the two-part movie.

This is far higher than theatre actors, but film projects come with longer commitments, press tours, and global releases.

How Do Wicked Salaries Compare to Other Theatre Productions?

Wicked Salary Comparison

Wicked actors earn more than performers in most other musicals, especially lead roles on Broadway and the West End.