Do reality TV stars earn income/money while on the show?

Question

I'm sitting here watching "The Biggest Loser" (which is a great show), and I'm wondering if the regular stars of shows like this get paid while they are on the show? I would love to be on a reality TV show, but I couldn't afford to leave my job for two-to-three months and not pay my mortgage, my student loans, etc.

So... how do these people do it? Do their jobs still pay them? Do they get a stipend from the network?

No stupid answers... legit only (even if it's just an educated guess).

Thanks!

Please give some sources as well... if you can.

Thanks!

Answer 1

They gotta make a few bucks
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Answer 2

I think they do. If I recall correctly, I read that on Big Brother Season 1 they were paid a few dollars each day they were on the show, but this last season they earned two hundred or something.

Also, they get paid for appearances after the show, on talk shows, etc.

Answer 3

I have read that they are paid well and for the time that they are there all the food they eat, everything is paid for....they aren't paid as much as the star of the show but they are not doing it for nothing...I don't know what arrangements they make about their bills,like an apt. rental payment or whatever but I guess if you really want to do something....there's always a way....

Answer 4

yes and they even get some money from the DVD rentals or when they show re-runs on tv