Yellowstone Season 5: Here’s How Much Each Cast Member Earns in Salary for the Show

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that Yellowstone is like a real-life version of a Western drama—but with way more family fights, betrayal, and, of course, breathtaking views of Montana’s landscapes.

The show has become an absolute cultural phenomenon, and guess what? It’s back for one final season. The Dutton family saga is reaching its epic conclusion, and fans are biting their nails, wondering how it’ll all end.

But beyond the jaw-dropping plot twists and killer performances, there’s another burning question: How much are the stars getting paid for their roles? From the beginning, Yellowstone has turned into a massive hit.

Kevin Costner, who played the tough-as-nails ranch patriarch John Dutton, has watched his salary grow along with the show’s success. The same goes for other key stars like Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), etc.

These actors have become household names thanks to their roles, but the real question is: How much are they actually making per episode? Here’s a hint: It’s a lot!

1. Kevin Costner (John Dutton)

First up is the man himself, Kevin Costner, who plays the family patriarch, John Dutton. Costner has been the face of Yellowstone from the very beginning, and with his role as the ranch’s boss, he’s also at the top of the salary ladder.

In fact, according to Variety, he was making $1.3 million per episode in 2022. PEOPLE reported that Costner revealed there were “long, hard-fought negotiations” over splitting Yellowstone Season 5 into two parts.

The 69-year-old said he adjusted his schedule for Horizon: An American Saga to shoot the first half of the season. Costner was reportedly set to earn $12 million for each part of Season 5, totaling $24 million for the season.

However, he’s reportedly planning to go to court to get the second half of his payment. The star reportedly earned $19.2 million for Yellowstone Season 5. Yep, that’s more than what all the main cast members earned in Season 1 combined.

And while Costner’s salary is huge, he wasn’t always pulling in that much. In the early seasons, his paycheck was way lower, but as the show grew, so did his earnings. And, let’s be real, after five seasons of building up the Yellowstone empire, he’s earned it.

2. Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler)

Next, we’ve got Cole Hauser, who plays the fan-favorite character Rip Wheeler. Rip is the tough, loyal ranch hand who’s always there for the Duttons, and fans can’t get enough of him.

In Season 5, Hauser is making $700,000 per episode, which is a pretty big jump from the $200,000 he made when the show first started (via Taste of Country). But according to the New York Post, there’s talk of a Yellowstone spinoff that could focus on Rip and Beth Dutton.

For that, Hauser is hoping for $1.2 million per episode if that happens. So, it’s safe to say he’s looking for an even bigger paycheck in the future.

3. Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton)

Kelly Reilly is the powerhouse actress who plays the fiery and fearless Beth Dutton in Yellowstone. Beth’s the one who brings the drama—and Yellowstone wouldn’t be the same without her.

Reilly has quickly become one of the show’s most important characters, and she’s been making some serious cash for her role. She’s probably earning about $700,000 per episode for Season 5, which is a good chunk of change.

However, when it comes to a potential Yellowstone spinoff, Reilly was reportedly asking for $1.5 million per episode, though Paramount countered with $1.2 million (via Taste of Country). Either way, she’s definitely in the running for some of the highest-paying roles on TV.

4. Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton)

Next, we have Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, the youngest of the Dutton children on the show. Kayce’s character has had some emotional moments throughout the series, and Grimes has really made the role his own.

In 2021, he was reportedly earning $200,000 per episode (via Geeks for Geeks). So, for a full 10-episode season, that would bring him around $2 million for the entire season. And while he’s probably gotten a raise since then, he’s likely still making less than Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly.

Grimes’ role may not be as flashy as some of the others, but he’s still a central part of the Dutton family dynamic, so it’s no surprise that his pay has gone up over time. He is reportedly set to earn $2.8 million in Season 5 (as reported by Soaps).

5. Kelsey Asbille (Monica Dutton)

Then there’s Kelsey Asbille, who plays Monica Dutton, Kayce’s wife. Monica’s character has grown over the seasons, and she’s become a key part of the story.

Like the other early cast members, Asbille reportedly started out making $200,000 per episode (via Taste of Country). However, as her role has become more significant, she’s likely earning more now. The actress is reportedly set to earn $2.8 million in Season 5 (via Soaps).

6. Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton)

Finally, we have Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton, the troubled and often frustrating son. Jamie’s character has gone through some wild ups and downs, but Bentley has stayed a major part of the show.

Like most of the other original cast members, Bentley’s salary for Season 1 was $200,000 per episode, and he is reportedly set to make $2.8 million in Season 5 (via the same source).

Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock!