How Much Can a Child Actor Make From Commercials in Los Angeles? A Guide for Parents
If your child is starting their acting journey in Los Angeles—the heart of the entertainment industry—you’re probably wondering how much a child actor earns, especially for commercial work. Commercials are one of the most common and often most profitable entry points for kids in Hollywood.
Here’s what LA parents need to know about child actor income, SAG rates, residuals, and the differences between national and local commercial usage.
SAG-AFTRA Commercials: Day Rates + Residuals
Most commercial auditions in Los Angeles are union, and SAG-AFTRA offers consistent protection and industry-standard pay for child actors.
1. The SAG Day Rate
The typical SAG commercial day rate for a principal child performer is usually around $700–$800 per day, depending on the contract cycle. This is the base pay for the shoot day, not including any future earnings.
2. Residuals (Where the Real Money Comes From)
Residuals are additional payments made every time the commercial airs. Los Angeles child actors can earn significant income when their commercial is broadcast frequently or widely.
Child actors earn residuals for:
National Network Commercials
National Cable Commercials
Digital and Internet Commercials with extended use
Regional or multi-market broadcast campaigns
Because these ads reach millions of viewers, advertisers pay more—which translates directly into higher residual checks for the young performers.
Why National Commercials Pay So Much
A national network commercial for major brands like Verizon, AT&T, Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, Target, or Amazon can earn a child actor anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000+ over the life of the campaign if it airs heavily.
Since Los Angeles sees more national commercial auditions than any other market, the earning potential for kids is especially strong. Scroll down to read about the pay for non-union commercials and buyouts.
Non-Union Commercials: Flat Buyouts
Non-union commercials in LA typically pay a flat-rate buyout, not residuals.
A common example:
$1,500 for one year of usage
No additional payments regardless of how many times it airs
These jobs are usually for regional businesses, start-ups, social media ads, or web-only campaigns. They are great for experience but generally pay much less than SAG commercials with national usage.
National vs. Local: Why It Matters in LA
Parents searching for how much a child actor earns in LA will quickly discover that usage is the biggest factor affecting income.
National Commercials = High Income Potential
National commercials reach viewers across the entire country, meaning:
Higher usage fees
Higher advertiser budgets
Higher residuals
This is where child actors can earn thousands or even tens of thousands from a single spot.
Local Commercials = Lower Earnings
Local commercials may still pay SAG rates, but residuals are much smaller. These are usually for:
Local car dealerships
California-only businesses
Regional restaurant chains
Small retail brands
They are valuable for experience but don’t generate large earnings.
Why Acting Headshots Are Critical — Especially in Los Angeles
Before your child can audition for SAG commercials—especially in LA’s competitive casting environment—they need professional acting headshots that capture their personality and stand out to casting directors.
Parents searching for:
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…are the same parents looking for information on child actor earnings.
A strong headshot is the first step to landing auditions for high-paying national commercials.
Robin Lorraine Photography specializes in:
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If your child is ready to start auditioning, professional headshots are essential to helping them book those well-paid national commercial opportunities.
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