How much do contestants on Hell’s Kitchen get paid? I love Hell’s kitchen; Gordon Ramsay is an ultimate professional and I enjoy watching the contestants strive to become better chefs. But did you know how much money contestants actually make from the best cooking show on television?
10 chefs are competing for the title of “Hell’s Kitchen” winner, but is the $250,000 cash prize the only thing they have to gain?
The contestants on Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen” are hoping to turn a new leaf and make it as chefs, but how much do they get paid for their time?The answer is $750 a week. According to reports, the grand prize for winning the reality cooking competition is $250,000 and each of the contestants earns $750 per week while filming season 17 of the FOX show.According to a report by Reality Blurred, the winner’s prize was originally $100,000. In 2010, it rose to $250,000.
The 17th season of “Hell’s Kitchen” premiered in September 2018 with 10 contestants vying for Ramsay’s approval and for the chance to win the prize money and a head chef position at Gordon Ramsy Steak in Las Vegas at Paris Hotel and Casino.In January 2019, it was announced that there will be a 19th season of the reality show, which airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.
It turns out, contestants get paid a salary for appearing on the show
If you’ve ever wondered what the contestants get paid to be on the show, then this is the article for you.It turns out, contestants get paid a salary for appearing on the show. According to a former contestant named Amanda Cole, who appeared in Season 3, she was paid around $750 per episode. Although that doesn’t sound like much, it actually adds up when you consider how many episodes are in each season. She also mentioned that contestants are given free room and board at The Talon Hotel in Los Angeles while they film.
According to a 2013 report from TMZ, contestants sign a contract that states they’re compensated $750 per week in addition to a per diem of $60. Producers also cover their living expenses during filming.
Prior to the show, the contestants are screened by producers. They’re asked to submit a videotape with a wide range of footage, including cooking demonstrations and interviews. After the producers have reviewed the tapes, they make an initial selection of 15-20 people to be interviewed in person. At this stage, they’re also asked to prepare a dish for the panel of judges.
After the interviews and culinary presentations, the producers select six to 10 contestants for each season.According to a 2013 report from TMZ, contestants sign a contract that states they’re compensated $750 per week in addition to a per diem of $60. Producers also cover their living expenses during filming.The winner gets an executive chef position at one of Ramsay’s restaurants (usually either at his Las Vegas or Atlantic City properties) as well as a salary of $250,000.
Some contestants have gone on record about how little they actually received for starring in the show. Chef Jay Santos told Huffington Post that he didn’t even get paid at all
Some contestants have gone on record about how little they actually received for starring in the show. Chef Jay Santos told Huffington Post that he didn’t even get paid at all.”We were under the impression that there would be some compensation,” he said. “But we didn’t get any money at all. Nothing.”It’s worth noting, however, that Santos appeared on a season of Hell’s Kitchen back in 2009, where the network was probably still getting its footing with the series and figuring out its budget.
In 2013, contestant Tracy Goddard told Eater that she got paid $750 per episode — which may seem like a lot, but not when you consider that each season consisted of 20 episodes. Goddard also spoke to Insider about her time on the show and why she left:”I could no longer continue to work in an environment where the chef was a bully and I was being humiliated on national television,” she said.
Conclusion
Every year, Hell’s Kitchen contestants travel to Los Angeles to compete for the head chef position at a casual dining spot in Las Vegas. While the actual salary isn’t revealed during the show, we can assume it is between $30,000 and $50,000 based on costs of living, living stipend and total prize money.
It is a contract position so show participants are guaranteed work until the contract expires.
Although the workers do not officially receive cash prizes, some have been in a position to negotiate them. Contestants are also able to utilize their exposure on the show to obtain additional endorsement deals and publicity. In some cases, the contestants have been able to capitalize on the celebrity they gain from their exposure on Hell’s Kitchen.
There is a higher affinity for restaurants with familiar names attached so some of these contestants may obtain lucrative positions running their own restaurants.