Stranger Things is heading into its final season, and while fans are bracing for one last trip into the Upside Down, the cast is cashing in big. When the show first dropped in 2016, Millie Bobby Brown was a fresh-faced newcomer making a small cut compared to Netflix heavyweights.
Fast forward to Season 5, and she’s pulling in paychecks that put her in a completely different league. The same glow-up happened for stars like Winona Ryder and David Harbour, whose salaries skyrocketed as Hawkins turned into the streaming world’s favorite battleground.
Even younger additions like Sadie Sink, who stole the spotlight in later seasons, are now among the show’s top earners. So just how much are your favorite Hawkins heroes taking home for the final season? Let’s break down the eye-popping salaries behind the series.
1. Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)
From Hawkins newbie to one of Netflix’s highest-paid stars, Millie Bobby Brown has come a long way since she first shaved her head and stole the spotlight as Eleven. Back in Stranger Things Season 1, Brown was making just $10,000 an episode. By Season 2, her paycheck jumped to $30,000 per episode, and by Season 3, she was commanding around $300,000 per episode, officially leveling up to A-list territory (via Parade).
Although Brown’s salary numbers for Season 4 and 5 may be unknown, it can be assumed she was earning well over $300,000 after Season 3, and nearly a million dollars per episode in the newest season. But according to reports from The Direct, Brown has a special contract with Netflix, and thus earns considerably more than her co-stars.
But Brown’s empire stretches far beyond Hawkins. She recently headlined Damsel in 2024, and 2025 has been even busier. She starred in Netflix’s epic sci-fi adventure The Electric State and is also back as Enola in Enola Holmes 3, which wrapped filming this summer. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s stepping into rom-com territory with Just Picture It, where she’ll star and produce.
It’s no surprise her net worth (according to Celebrity Net Worth) has soared to an estimated $14–20 million. Brown isn’t just Netflix’s breakout star; she’s running Hollywood her way.
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2. Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers)
Before Hawkins ever knew the Upside Down, Stranger Things had already struck gold by casting Hollywood legend Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers. As the frazzled but fiercely determined single mom who will do absolutely anything to save her kids, Ryder brought emotional weight and instant star power to the series.
And unlike the younger cast, she was already a household name when the show launched in 2016, which meant her paycheck was in a whole different league. For Seasons 1 and 2, she was reportedly earning around $100,000 per episode, making her the highest-paid cast member in the early days.
By Season 3, her salary had skyrocketed to $350,000 per episode, a number she kept into Season 4 as Joyce’s role in the fight against Vecna and the Russians took center stage. And now, for the fifth and final season, Winona is cashing in even bigger; her deal is reportedly worth $9.5 million total, which breaks down to about $1.19 million per episode (via Economic Times).
Outside the world of Hawkins, Ryder has kept her career diverse. She’s recently starred in the miniseries The Plot Against America and appeared in films like Haunted Mansion (2023). With an estimated net worth of $18 million, Ryder continues to balance prestige projects, cult favorites, and her iconic comeback role as Joyce.
3. David Harbour (Jim Hopper)
From small-town sheriff to fan-favorite hero, David Harbour turned Jim Hopper into one of Stranger Things’ most beloved characters. Gruff, sarcastic, but with a heart of gold, Hopper has been through it all, from fighting Demogorgons to becoming Eleven’s unlikely father figure. And as his role in Hawkins grew, so did Harbour’s paycheck
Harbour was making around $100,000 per episode for Season 1 and 2, but everything changed when the show blew up. By Season 3, Harbour was cashing in around $350,000 per episode, a salary he held through Season 4 as Hopper battled Russians and Vecna’s looming shadow (via Celebrity Net Worth).
For the upcoming final season, the stakes and salaries couldn’t be higher. Harbour and Winona Ryder reportedly struck a massive deal worth $9.5 million total, breaking down to about $1.19 million per episode in Season 5.
Beyond Hawkins, Harbour has been making serious moves. He’s suiting up once again in Marvel’s Thunderbolts as Red Guardian, starring alongside Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan. He’s also diving into television with HBO’s upcoming dark comedy DTF St. Louis
4. Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler)
Finn Wolfhard, who brings Mike Wheeler to life in Stranger Things, has grown up alongside the series, both on-screen and off. In the early days of Season 1, he reportedly earned around $10,000 per episode, similar to his young co-stars. But as the show exploded into a global hit, his paycheck saw major upgrades.
By Season 3, Wolfhard was making an estimated $250,000 per episode (via Celebrity Net Worth). And now, for the epic Season 5 finale, Wolfhard is reportedly making $7 million total for the season, reported by Economic Times, which works out to about $875,000 per episode.
Outside Hawkins, Wolfhard has built a solid career. He starred in It and its sequel, It Chapter Two. He also voiced Pugsley in The Addams Family animated movies and appeared in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) with its sequel, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
With his growing list of credits and consistent success, Wolfhard’s estimated net worth has climbed to around $4 million.
5. Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson)
Gaten Matarazzo has been the heart and humor of Stranger Things since Season 1, portraying Dustin Henderson with his signature charm and wit. Starting at around $10,000 per episode and $20,000 in Season 1 and Season 2, respectively, Matarazzo’s salary saw a significant increase by Season 3, reportedly reaching $250,000 per episode (via Celebrity Net Worth).
For the highly anticipated fifth and final season, it’s reported that he, along with his co-stars, secured a deal worth over $7 million for the season, translating to approximately $875,000 per episode.
Beyond Hawkins, Matarazzo has diversified his career. He starred in the upcoming Hulu comedy film from BriTANIcK and has also been involved in Broadway productions, including Sweeney Todd, and has made appearances in various television projects.
With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Matarazzo’s earnings stem from his acting roles, hosting duties on Netflix’s Prank Encounters, and brand endorsements.
6. Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair)
From Hawkins’ smart, loyal, and fearless kid to a rising star in Hollywood, Caleb McLaughlin has made Lucas Sinclair unforgettable. Known for his quick wit, athletic skills, and no-nonsense attitude, Lucas has been the heart of the younger Hawkins crew since Season 1.
Back then, McLaughlin was reportedly making around $10,000 per episode, which increased in Season 2 to $20,000 per episode. But as the series became a global phenomenon, his pay soared. By Season 3 and 4, he was earning roughly $250,000 per episode, and for the epic final season, he’s expected to bank about $875,000 per episode, totaling around $7 million for the season alone.
Off-screen, McLaughlin is just as ambitious. He’s building a strong film resume with upcoming projects like The Book of Clarence and Shooting Stars, plus GOAT in 2026. He also appeared in American Dream: The 21 Savage Story and The Deliverance.
7. Noah Schnapp (Will Byers)
From the moment Will Byers vanished in Hawkins, Noah Schnapp captured hearts as the quiet, sensitive kid at the center of Stranger Things’ biggest mystery. Back in Season 1, Schnapp was reportedly earning $10,000 per episode, a solid start for a young actor.
But as the series exploded into a worldwide sensation, his paycheck grew big time. By Season 3, he was making roughly $250,000 per episode, and for the massive final Season 5, Schnapp, along with the other core kids, scored a $7 million deal for the season, which breaks down to about $875,000 per episode.
Off-screen, Schnapp has been branching out in impressive ways. He’s set to star in The Book of Clarence (2025). Plus, he launched his own virtual restaurant brand, TenderFix, a delivery-only concept operated by IHOP focused on chicken tenders. With an estimated net worth of around $3 million, Noah Schnapp has grown from Hawkins’ shy kid to a multi-talented young star with his sights set on Hollywood and beyond.
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8. Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield)
When Sadie Sink stormed into Hawkins as Max Mayfield in Season 2, she instantly became a fan favorite. Fierce, fearless, and full of attitude, Max brought a new energy to the Hawkins crew, and Sink quickly proved she could hold her own alongside the OGs. Early on, she reportedly earned around $25,000 per episode, a solid start for a rising star.
But as Stranger Things grew into a global phenomenon, her pay saw a massive boost. By the fifth and final season, Sink, along with her fellow young leads, reportedly secured a $7 million deal for the season, translating to about $875,000 per episode.
Sink has been making bold moves. She starred in the 2025 post-apocalyptic musical drama O’Dessa, showcasing her range beyond sci-fi adventure. She also appeared in the psychological thriller A Sacrifice alongside Eric Bana and Sylvia Hoeks, proving she’s not afraid to tackle darker, complex roles.
With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Sadie Sink is proving she’s more than just Max Mayfield. From Hawkins’ skate parks to major film festivals, she’s a force to be reckoned with, and fans can’t wait to see what she does next as Stranger Things comes to an epic close.
9. Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler)
From Hawkins’ investigative powerhouse to a fan-favorite on Netflix, Natalia Dyer has been turning heads as Nancy Wheeler since Season 1. Sharp, determined, and never afraid to speak her mind, Nancy quickly became one of the series’ most compelling adult figures. In the early seasons, Dyer reportedly earned around $30,000 per episode, but as her role grew and the show exploded worldwide, her paycheck followed suit.
By Season 3, she was making approximately $250,000 per episode, and for the highly anticipated final Season 5, Dyer, along with her co-stars, reportedly secured $6 million for the season, roughly $750,000 per episode (via Economic Times), a major upgrade for Hawkins’ fearless journalist-in-training.
Off-screen, Dyer is proving she’s more than Nancy Wheeler. She starred in the 2023 drama Chestnut, a queer love-triangle film that premiered at the Frameline Film Festival, and appeared in Peacock’s 2023 comedy-thriller series Based on a True Story. These projects show she’s not afraid to tackle diverse roles and experiment beyond the sci-fi universe of Hawkins.
10. Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers)
From Hawkins’ quiet, brooding photographer-to-be to a fan-favorite heartthrob, Charlie Heaton has made Jonathan Byers unforgettable since Season 1 of Stranger Things. Jonathan’s loyalty, sensitivity, and protective instincts have made him the emotional anchor of the older Hawkins kids. In the early seasons, Heaton reportedly earned around $30,000 per episode, a solid start for a rising star.
As the show skyrocketed to worldwide fame, his pay followed suit, hitting roughly $250,000 per episode by Seasons 3 and 4. For the final Season 5, Heaton, along with adult leads like Natalia Dyer, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke, reportedly secured a $6 million deal for the season, which breaks down to about $750,000 per episode, a major boost for Hawkins’ resident photographer.
The actor has starred in the 2023 drama Chestnut, a queer love-triangle film that premiered at Frameline Film Festival, and appeared in the psychological thriller A Sacrifice alongside Eric Bana and Sylvia Hoeks, showing he’s not afraid to tackle complex, mature roles.
With an estimated net worth of $4 million, Charlie Heaton is solidifying himself as a serious talent with big moves ahead in Hollywood.
11. Joe Keery (Steve Harrington)
From Hawkins’ ultimate “bad boy turned hero” to a fan-favorite heartthrob, Joe Keery has made Steve Harrington one of Stranger Things’ most beloved characters. Initially, the popular but self-absorbed teen, Steve, quickly evolved into the big-hearted protector of the younger Hawkins kids, earning Keery massive fan love along the way.
Early in the show, he reportedly earned $30,000 per episode, which jumped to around $250,000 per episode by Seasons 3 and 4 (via Celebrity Net Worth). For the final Season 5, Keery, along with adult leads like Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Maya Hawke, reportedly secured a $6 million deal for the season, roughly $750,000 per episode, a perfect reward for Hawkins’ unlikely babysitter-turned-hero.
As an actor, he starred in the 2023 sci-fi comedy Free Guy and appeared in the crime drama series Fargo. But he’s not just acting, he’s also a musician, performing under the name Djo. His third studio album, The Crux (2025), received positive reviews, and he supported it with the Back on You World Tour across North America, Europe, and Australia.
With an estimated net worth of $4 million, Joe Keery proves he’s more than Hawkins’ high school heartthrob. From blockbuster TV to music stages, he’s carving out a multifaceted career that shows he’s ready for anything Hollywood throws at him.
12. Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley)
Maya Hawke joined Hawkins in Season 3 as Robin Buckley, the girl who taught Steve how to actually be an adult while running circles around the Upside Down. Beyond her iconic Scoops Ahoy moments, Robin quickly became a key player in Hawkins’ mysteries, and Maya’s star power grew right alongside her character.
When it came to paydays, Hawke joined the ranks of the adult and young leads who reportedly secured around $6 million for Season 5, translating to roughly $750,000 per episode (via Economic Times), a serious reward for her work on one of Netflix’s biggest hits. This figure puts her on par with other major cast members like Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery.
Outside the series, she starred in the 2023 dark comedy Do Revenge, gaining attention for her sharp humor and stylish performance. She’s also set to appear in the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping as Wiress, a tech-savvy victor who guides the next generation of tributes, proving her talents extend far beyond Hawkins.
With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Maya Hawke is not just Robin Buckley; she’s a rising Hollywood talent with serious career momentum, and fans are watching every move.
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Mark your calendars, Hawkins fans, the wait is almost over. Stranger Things Season 5, the show’s final ride, is dropping in three parts on Netflix: Volume 1 arrives November 26, 2025, Volume 2 follows on Christmas Day, and the epic finale lands on New Year’s Eve.
The story picks up in the fall of ’87, where the town is still reeling from the Rift, Vecna’s presence is stronger than ever, and the crew faces their darkest mission yet: to end him once and for all.
Everyone’s back from Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard to Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Maya Hawke, and the rest of the gang. It’s Hawkins’ last stand, holiday-season style, and the countdown has officially begun.
Are you ready for Stranger Things season 5? Let us know in the comments below!
