Pete Davidson and Jason Sudeikis discuss early SNL paychecks and first indulgent purchases

In a recent video for New York Magazine, Pete Davidson shared details about his early years on Saturday Night Live (SNL), revealing the modest pay he received during his initial episodes on the show. Davidson, who was a cast member from 2014 to 2022, mentioned that his pay was around $3,000 per episode when he first started. He humorously recalled spending his earnings on a simple dinner, underscoring the contrast between the show's cultural impact and its early financial rewards.

Jason Sudeikis, another former SNL star, echoed Davidson’s sentiments, saying that the pay during his time on the show was insufficient for extravagant purchases. Sudeikis, who began as a writer in 2003 before transitioning to a cast member from 2005 to 2013, shared that his first big purchase was his New York rent, a common expense for many newcomers in the city. Despite the low salaries, many SNL cast members still managed to treat themselves to indulgences, with some recalling purchases like furniture or luxury items after receiving their first paychecks.

Other past and present SNL stars featured in the video included James Austin Johnson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Silverman, Bowen Yang, and Seth Meyers. Louis-Dreyfus humorously recalled spending $75 on a pair of shoes, while Yang revealed splurging on Gucci shoes at Saks Fifth Avenue. Many cast members, including Cheri Oteri, joked about buying furniture or home goods, with Oteri sharing an amusing story about a designer's frustration over her couch, which she steadfastly kept.

Saturday Night Live is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a live primetime special on February 16, 2024, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.