Child actors on union jobs are paid the same minimums as adults: at least $1,283 a day on a SAG-AFTRA film or TV show and $855.20 for a commercial session, as of November 2026. What changes is where the money goes: in California, New York and several other states, at least 15% must go into a blocked trust for the child. Here is how it works, and what our parent experts told us.
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On union work, yes. SAG-AFTRA minimums are set by the role and the contract, not the performer's age, and the union's rate sheets don't list a separate youth rate. From 1 July 2026, per the 2026-30 SAG-AFTRA wage tables:
| Job | Union minimum |
|---|---|
| Film or TV day performer (co-star) | $1,283 a day |
| Film or TV weekly performer | $4,456 a week |
| TV guest star, top of show, half-hour | $7,057 an episode |
| TV guest star, top of show, one-hour | $11,290 an episode |
| Commercial, on-camera principal (from 1 April 2026) | $855.20 a session |
The commercial figure is from SAG-AFTRA's 2026-2027 commercials cheat sheet. Non-union jobs have no minimum. See SAG-AFTRA rates for the full sheet.
The same as an adult in the same role: the session fee, then use fees for as long as the ad runs, which is where most commercial money comes from. Our commercial pay page explains use fees, holding fees and buyouts.
Karen Workman told us one of her daughters booked three national commercials, and by the third set she couldn't be paid until she joined the union, because they were all union jobs. Karen says union work pays better, but timing matters: she held off on her son joining until he had more experience.
On a union TV series, a young actor in a co-star role is usually paid the day rate above, and a guest star at least the weekly or top-of-show minimum. Series regulars sign longer deals, negotiated by their agent. What any particular studio pays above scale isn't published, so we can't give you a verified Disney figure.
Broadway and other stage work is covered by Actors' Equity, which pays weekly minimums set by each contract. Our how much do actors make page covers stage rates. Karen added that for auditions on big shows like Disney or Nickelodeon, you need a licensed agent; a parent can't act as one.
In California, the child does. SAG-AFTRA's Coogan Law page explains that since 1 January 2000, a minor's entertainment earnings are the property of the minor, not the parents. Other states may treat earnings differently.
Bonnie J Wallace told us that if a parent wants to take a commission for the work they put in, it should be a formal, transparent written agreement both of you sign, carefully tracked. Karen said her family budgets the rest: a share for savings, a share for charity, a share reinvested in classes, and some play money.
A Coogan account, or blocked trust account, holds part of a child's pay until they're an adult. As of November 2026:
| State | What the state source says |
|---|---|
| California | The employer sets aside 15% of gross earnings and deposits it in the child's Coogan trust. Funds stay blocked until 18 or emancipation. |
| New York | The employer transfers at least 15% of gross earnings to a child performer trust. A trust company must take over once it passes $250,000. |
| Illinois | A blocked trust of at least 15% of gross earnings; not required for background performers. |
| Louisiana | A blocked trust account is required. |
| New Mexico | Required only when a child earns more than $1,000 per employment contract. |
Sources: SAG-AFTRA's Coogan Law page and full statute text, and New York's Department of Labor. Parents open the account; in California the statute gives the trustee 7 business days after the contract is signed. The rest is paid as normal, and under the statute the parent, as trustee, pays the child's liabilities, including taxes, from it.
In California and New York, yes, before the first paid day. California's Labor Commissioner (entertainment work permit page) issues a six-month permit free of charge, renewed every six months until 18, and a one-time 10-day permit for first-time registrants for $50 (not available to 16 and 17 year olds). New York's child performer page issues one-year permits online, and the application includes a trust account form.
Per SAG-AFTRA, in most cases you need proof of a trust account before a minor can get a permit, so open the account first. Our getting your child into acting guide walks through the steps.
The same as from adults. SAG-AFTRA's young performers page on agents and managers says agents are generally limited to a 10% commission and managers generally charge 10 to 15%. Karen Workman gave parents the same numbers.
What you should never pay is a fee to sign. Karen said signing with an agency costs nothing up front, and that a fee to "join" an agency after a talent competition is almost certainly a scam. Jess Orcsik was a little more nuanced: a few reputable agencies charge for specific services, so research the company and know exactly what you'd be paying for. Karen's red flag for scams is simple: never pay to audition.
No. Karen Workman and Bonnie J Wallace both told us a parent must be there but isn't paid for their time. On SAG-AFTRA sets, Karen said, you're fed, you share your child's trailer or holding area, and that's about it. SAG-AFTRA's Young Performers Handbook adds that the parent pays the expenses that come with the child's work.
When a child books out of town, Karen said the production usually flies and accommodates the parent with the child, because a minor can't travel alone. Your agent normally negotiates that.
General information only, not legal or financial advice, checked November 2026. Laws differ by state and change; check with SAG-AFTRA, your state labour department or a lawyer for your situation.
On union jobs child actors are paid the same minimums as adults: at least $1,283 a day for a film or TV day performer from 1 July 2026, and $855.20 for an on-camera commercial session. Non-union pay is whatever is agreed.
A union commercial pays at least $855.20 for the on-camera session from 1 April 2026, plus use fees for as long as the ad runs. Children are paid the same as adults in the same role.
A child in a co-star role is usually paid the union day rate of $1,283. A guest star at top of show earns at least $7,057 on a half-hour episode and $11,290 on a one-hour episode.
In California and New York the employer must put at least 15% of gross earnings into the child's trust account. In California it stays blocked until the child turns 18 or is emancipated.
No. A parent or guardian must be on set but is not paid for their time. Productions usually cover a parent's travel and accommodation when a child works out of town.
Agents are generally limited to 10% and managers generally charge 10 to 15%, the same as for adult actors. A legitimate agent does not charge a fee to sign your child.
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All rates current from amptp.org, sagaftra.org, dol.ny.gov and dir.ca.gov as of 3 November 2026.