If you’ve ever tuned in to MasterChef Australia and wondered “how much are these people being paid while they compete on the show?”, you’re not alone.
We’re always interested to know all the behind the scenes details of reality television shows, like where MasterChef Australia is filmed, and how much the judges actually eat. Today, we’ve been doing some digging to find out just how much MasterChef Australia pays its contestants.
As it turns out, the answer is: not much.
How Much Does MasterChef Pay Contestants?
We did some digging, and according to reports, Network Ten generally pays contestants a little more than the legal minimum wage to appear on the competition reality series. This means that if contestants are leaving their careers (and family, and friends, and home) to pursue their dreams, it’s possible they’re also taking a pay cut to do so.
In 2011, contestants were reported to only receive $500 a week, according to news.com.au.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that in 2013, the competing chefs received an allowance of $630 per week.
What’s unclear, however, is whether the salary for MasterChef Australia 2023 contestants has risen at all in the years since 2013. As of 2022, Australia’s minimum wage is $21.38 per hour, or $812.60 per 38 hour week. This is before tax.
In the past, former MasterChef Australia contestant Billy Law said that he didn’t really feel the effects of the pay cut while filming the show. However, once he was out of the competition, reality soon hit.
“That’s when… it’s then the time to start looking for jobs and to start making money again,” he said.
One of the main benefits of competing in a high profile show like MasterChef Australia is, of course, the exposure, which helps contestants’ secure high paying work opportunities in the industry after their time on the series.
Aside from the $250,000 prize money the winner receives, many contestants go on to build successful careers in the food industry, publishing cookbooks, hosting television shows and Good Food and Wine events, and even open their own cooking schools and restaurants.
MasterChef Australia airs at 7.30pm, Sunday – Thursdays, only on 10 and 10 Play on Demand. Miss an episode? Catch up on 10 Play.
Want more MasterChef Australia? Read all our content here, and check out the stories below:
- The Heat Is on: ‘MasterChef 2023’ Brings Both Flavour and Drama
- Get Ready to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with ‘MasterChef: Dessert Masters’
- Introducing the ‘MasterChef Australia: Secrets and Surprises’ Top 18
- The Secrets and Surprises Are About to Begin on ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023
- ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023: Adi Is a Doctor Who Combines Science and Cooking
- Alice Is a Gifted Academic, But Will She Win ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2023?
- Andrea Is Ready to Push His Skills to the Limit on ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Antonio Is a Software Developer Who’s Ready to Win ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Brent Is Back for ‘MasterChef’ 2023, and He Wants to Inspire Others
- Cath Is Ready to Make Her Culinary Dreams Come True on ‘MasterChef’
- Jessica Is an Optometrist Who Sees Herself Winning ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Declan Is a Carpenter Who’s Ready to Get His Hands Dirty on ‘MasterChef’
- Grace Refuses to Let Endometriosis Get In Her Way on ‘MasterChef’
- Larissa Is Ready to Take on the ‘MasterChef’ Kitchen
- Malissa Is Ready for Her Once-In-a-Lifetime ‘MasterChef’ Experience
- Phil Is Ready to Bring His A-Game to ‘MasterChef Australia’
- Ralph Is Bringing His Passion for Food and Family to ‘MasterChef’
- Rhiannon Is Ready to Follow Her Dreams on ‘MasterChef’
- Robbie Is Bringing Aboriginal Asian Fusion to ‘MasterChef’
- Rue Has Her Eyes on the Prize on ‘MasterChef’ 2023
- Theo Is an Electrician Who Plans to Show His Spark on ‘MasterChef’
- “Deeply Shocked and Saddened” — ‘MasterChef Australia’ Judge Jock Zonfrillo Has Died Aged 46
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