Jussie Smollett: Actor’s ‘Empire’ Salary Compared to Co-stars

February 22, 2019

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations: "Empire" With Jussie Smollett — NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 14: Jussie Smollett attends SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations: “Empire” at The Robin Williams Center on November 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

*Ever since Chicago police said Thursday that actor Jussie Smollett staged his attack because he was “dissatisfied” with his “Empire” salary, inquiring minds have been dying to know his net worth and exactly how much he earns per episode.

While Smollett’s current “Empire” salary is unknown, Variety reported that he was making significantly less than his co-stars during the show’s second season. At that time it was reported that Jussie earned around $20,000, while co-stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson bagged around $175,000 per episode.

However, after five hit seasons, salaries are expected to have risen and Jussie’s earnings were reported to be in line with his co-stars Trai Byers and Bryshere Y. Gray, who play his brothers on the series.

According to data from GoBankingRates.com, Smollett’s overall net worth is less than some of “Empire” cast members.

Below is a breakdown of what they make via Fox Business:

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JUSSIE SMOLLETT’S NET WORTH: $1,000,000

Besides “Empire,” Smollett’s credits include “The Mighty Ducks,” “North,” “The Skinny” and “Alien: Covenant.”

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 07: Actress Taraji P. Henson arrives at the Washington DC special screening of Paramount Pictures’ film ‘What Men Want’ at the Regal Gallery Place on February 07, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images

TARAJI HENSON’S NET WORTH: $16 MILLION

Henson’s TV and film credits include “Person of Interest,” “Hustle & Flow,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” for which she received an Oscar nomination. Her role as Cookie Lyon on “Empire” has also earned her two Emmy nominations in 2015 and 2016.

TERRENCE HOWARDS’ NET WORTH: $5 MILLION

According to Variety, Howard reportedly makes more than $125,000 per episode as a lead in “Empire.”

GABOUREY SIDIBE’S NET WORTH: $6 MILLION

Sidibe rose to fame from her breakout role “Precious,” which made over four times its $10 million budget following its release, according to Box Office Mojo figures.