The Jaw-Dropping Fortune: Unveiling the Insane Paycheck of the Modern Family Cast from Start to Finish!

Summary

The salaries of the Modern Family cast experienced a significant increase throughout the show's 11 seasons, with Sofia Vergara's earnings starting at $30,000 to $65,000 per episode and eventually reaching $500,000 per episode.

Initially, Ed O'Neill commanded a higher salary than his fellow cast members due to his established stardom, however, he later renegotiated his pay to align with the others at $500,000 per episode.

Throughout its 11 seasons, Modern Family experienced significant success, as evident from the increasing salaries of its adult cast members. Notably, Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Ty Burrell all saw their earnings per episode rise to $500,000 by the final season. This upward trajectory in pay is a testament to the show's popularity and acclaim, with the series accumulating an impressive 85 Emmy nominations and winning 22 Emmy Awards. Such triumphs made Modern Family a standout hit for ABC, paving the way for the gradual salary growth of its talented ensemble cast.

The Modern Family cast became a major reason for the show's immense popularity, establishing themselves as a cherished sitcom ensemble. This series served as a launching pad for the cast members, propelling them into greater stardom and enabling them to establish their own successful careers. It is noteworthy that Modern Family holds the record as ABC's longest-running comedy series. Consequently, the cast members witnessed substantial increases in their salaries throughout the show's run, although not always without facing some challenges.

Sofia Vergara: First Episode - $65,000/ Last Episode - $500,000

In the popular TV show Modern Family, Vergara portrays Gloria, the wife of Jay who is significantly younger than him. She is also the mother of Manny and Joe. Initially, Gloria faces the challenge of winning over her step-daughter, who believes she is only interested in Jay's wealth. She feels the need to prove her genuine love and dedication to her new family. However, as time goes on, Gloria demonstrates her true affection for Jay, earning the trust and admiration of her relatives. Throughout the series, viewers witness Gloria's transformation into a strong, self-assured, and capable woman. In the sixth season, she accomplishes her goal of obtaining American citizenship and later joins forces with Phil as a real estate agent. Additionally, Gloria's amusing yet perilous tales about her life in Colombia offer insights into her passionate temperament. Despite her fiery nature, she is a devoted wife and mother.

Ed O’Neill: First Episode - $105,000/ Last Episode - $500,000

According to Variety, Sofia Vergara initially received a salary ranging from $30,000 to $65,000 per episode when she began the series. However, towards the end of the show's run, Variety reported that her earnings had increased significantly to a minimum of $500,000 per episode.

Jay, portrayed by Ed O'Neill, portrays the role of a grumpy and occasionally unlikable father to Claire, Mitchell, Joe, and stepfather to Manny. He is presented with a second opportunity to build a family, as he was preoccupied when his older children were growing up and did not invest much time with them. Initially, his brusque nature causes disruptions in his relationships with the other characters. Nonetheless, as time progresses, he gradually softens, cultivating a genuine father-son bond with Manny. Additionally, he admits his parental shortcomings to Claire and Mitchell and even develops a slight affinity for Phil.

O’Neill initially negotiated his salary separately from the other actors and received a significantly higher payment than his cast members. This arrangement was justified due to his established fame, extensive experience, and recognition garnered from his previous role in Married...With Children. He commenced with a salary of approximately $105,000 per episode. However, he later opted to collectively negotiate with the other adult actors as part of a 2012 lawsuit against 20th Century Fox Television. Consequently, by the conclusion of the show, his earnings had equalized with those of the other adult actors, amounting to $500,000 per episode.

Julie Bowen: First Episode - $65,000/ Last Episode - $500,000

Bowen portrays Claire Dunphy, a character often hailed as the ultimate super-mom within the Dunphy clan. Married to Phil and the daughter of Jay, she is also Mitchell's sister. While Claire excels as a mother, she can at times be overbearing, bossy, and even display some bullying tendencies. Nonetheless, fans adore her quirks and complex personality, as well as her unwavering dedication to her children and her ability to guide them through the challenges of adolescence. In the series Modern Family, Claire faces numerous struggles when she takes over Jay's closet company after his retirement. However, despite the difficulties, she ultimately emerges as a genuine and respected leader.

Bowen initially earned the same amount as the other adult cast members, which ranged from $30,000 to $65,000. However, Deadline reported that she successfully renegotiated for a significant increase, earning $500,000 per episode during the final season.

Eric Stonestreet: First Episode - $20,000/ Last Episode - $500,000

Stonestreet assumes the role of Cameron Tucker, who is Mitchell's spouse, Lily and Rex's father, and Claire Dunphy's brother-in-law. Known for his friendly and empathetic nature, Cameron is a highly appealing character, captivating audiences with his theatrical antics, such as dance-offs and football rivalries. While he may sometimes be excessively dramatic and easily offended, he is also deeply committed to helping others, whether they are his loved ones or complete strangers. Cameron's aspiration to become a football coach becomes a major theme in the later seasons, ultimately leading to his family's relocation in the Modern Family finale.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson: First Episode - $30,000-$65,000/ Last Episode - $500,000

: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stonestreet's salary per episode on the show started at $20,000 and progressively rose to $65,000 during Season 3, eventually reaching an impressive $500,000 per episode for the final season.

Ferguson portrays Mitchell Pritchett in the show, who is Claire Dunphy's younger brother. He is married to Cameron and together they are adoptive parents to Lily and Rexford. Mitchell has a classic Type-A personality, being highly strung and obsessive. However, he complements the easy-going and fun-loving nature of Cameron. Throughout the series, Mitchell has encountered various challenges, such as seeking acceptance from his father and struggling to have a second child with Cam. Despite these difficulties, he has always relied on his family for support and managed to overcome them.

Ferguson originally earned about $65,000 per episode in Season 1 but went on to earn $500,000 per episode for the last season.

Ty Burrell: First Episode - $65,000/ Last Episode - $500,000

Burrell portrays the character of Phil Dunphy, a fun-loving and playful man who enjoys spending time with his children. His silly nature endears him to others, although his wife Claire sometimes finds his behavior exasperating. Despite this, Phil is in awe of Claire's competence and knack for solving any family problem that arises. He affectionately refers to her as 'superwoman', which helps to pacify her irritation with his occasional immaturity. However, when the situation calls for it, Phil steps up as a stern father, such as when Haley is expelled from college. He also proves to be an exceptional dad by being there for his children, like when Alex struggles with being away from home.

Just like the other adult cast members of Modern Family, Burrell initially earned approximately $65,000 per episode. However, by the final season, his earnings skyrocketed to a staggering $500,000 per episode.

Rico Rodriguez: First Episode - $15,000/ Last Episode - $125,000

Rodriguez portrays the endearing character of Manny Delgado-Pritchett, the beloved son of Gloria. He is a compassionate and romantic young man, who possesses a level of sophistication beyond his years. This characteristic occasionally sets him apart from his peers, causing him to feel like an outsider at school. Nevertheless, as the series progresses, Manny consistently embraces his interests and follows his passions. As the show gained tremendous popularity, Rodriguez and the rest of the original child actors successfully negotiated salary increases. Starting with Season 4, they earned $70,000 per episode, ultimately reaching an impressive $125,000 per episode for the final season.

Sarah Hyland: First Episode - $15,000/ Last Episode - $125,000

Sarah Hyland portrays the character of Haley Dunphy in Modern Family, a teenage socialite who is eager to grow up too quickly. With a strong-willed personality, she keeps her parents, Phil and Claire, on their toes. However, Haley undergoes tremendous personal growth throughout the show, acknowledging her mistakes and forging her own professional path. In the later seasons, Haley's pregnancy storyline becomes a major focal point until the series concludes.

Despite being significantly older, Cosmopolitan reveals that Hyland initially received a payment of approximately $15,000. Like her fellow child actors, she successfully negotiated a salary increase by the fourth season, reaching around $70,000 (according to The Looper). The Looper also reports that her compensation was further renegotiated and elevated as the series progressed, ultimately reaching roughly $125,000 per episode in season 11.

Ariel Winter: First Episode - $15,000/ Last Episode - $125,000

Winter portrays Alex Dunphy, the intelligent 11-year-old daughter of Claire and Phil. Unlike her sister, she is not popular, nor does she find delight in simple pleasures like her brother. Alex encounters difficulties in finding her own path. However, by embracing her strengths and passion for science, she gradually develops self-assurance. Despite occasionally feeling like an outsider due to her superior intellect, her love for her family strengthens over time.

In season 4, Winter earned an impressive salary of approximately $70,000 per episode, showcasing her talent at such a young age. As the show progressed, along with the other child actors, she received salary increases, eventually reaching $125,000 per episode in season 11.

Nolan Gould: First Episode - $15,000/ Last Episode - $125,000

Gould, who portrays Luke Dunphy on the show, initially started off with the same salary as his fellow actors on Modern Family. Often seen hanging out with Manny or his father, Luke remains indifferent to others' opinions and simply wants to have a good time. He highly regards his dad Phil as his closest companion and enjoys spending time with him, creating inventions.

By season 4, Gould's earnings per episode had significantly increased to $70,000, a considerable jump from the reported $15,000 they initially received. Similar to the other child actors, his salary underwent multiple renegotiations. According to The Looper, his pay was raised to approximately $100,000 per episode for seasons 9 and 10, eventually reaching $125,000 for season 11.