How Emilia Clarke’s Earnings Evolved on Game of Thrones – See Where She Ranked Among the Cast!

Game of Thrones, the epic series based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, was a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions of viewers worldwide. Spanning eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, the show not only delivered groundbreaking storytelling and visuals but also saw its cast members grow into global superstars. With that rise in fame came a substantial increase in salaries, especially for the main cast members. So, where does Daenerys Targaryen herself, Emilia Clarke, stand in the salary rankings throughout the show’s run? Let’s break down the numbers.

Salary Breakdown by Season

The salaries of the Game of Thrones cast varied significantly over the years, reflecting the show’s massive success and the rising profile of its actors. Here’s a closer look at the salary progression for the top-tier cast, including Clarke, who played the beloved Daenerys.

Seasons 1–4 (2011–2014): Humble Beginnings

During the early seasons, when Game of Thrones was still building its audience, salaries for the lead actors were relatively modest. While exact numbers aren’t always disclosed, it’s believed that Emilia Clarke earned between $50,000 to $100,000 per episode. At this time, Clarke, along with her co-stars, was relatively unknown. As the show gained popularity, these early seasons were likely when her salary was at its lowest, though she was still among the higher-paid members of the cast.

Seasons 5–6 (2015–2016): A Significant Raise

By seasons 5 and 6, Game of Thrones had solidified its place as a cultural juggernaut, and so did the paychecks of its stars. In 2014, reports indicated that the top five actors, including Clarke, received a significant pay raise to $300,000 per episode, a figure in line with her growing stature as one of the show’s main stars. This salary applied to both seasons, each of which had 10 episodes. By this point, Clarke’s character Daenerys had evolved into a central figure in the series, which made her compensation reflect her importance.

Season 7 (2017): Another Raise

Ahead of season 7, the cast saw another substantial raise. Clarke, along with her fellow top-tier actors, earned $500,000 per episode, marking a significant leap in their compensation. This was an especially lucrative year for Clarke, as season 7 had 7 episodes, which would have earned her $3.5 million just for this season alone. With the show’s global popularity at its peak, the salary increases were a reflection of both the show’s success and the demand for its talented cast.

Season 8 (2019): Reaching the Top

For the final season of Game of Thrones, the stakes—and the paychecks—were higher than ever. Reports suggest that the top-tier cast members, including Emilia Clarke, secured $1.2 million per episode. This was a considerable jump, and given that the final season had only 6 episodes, Clarke would have earned $7.2 million in total for the last season of the show. Some sources mention a slightly lower figure of $1.07 million per episode, based on legal documents, but the $1.2 million figure is the most widely cited.

Comparison with Other Cast Members

As expected, Clarke’s paychecks were in line with her fellow lead actors in the series. Alongside her, Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) all earned similar amounts, with no reports suggesting any of them earned more than $1.2 million per episode in the final season.

In contrast, supporting cast members such as Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) were paid significantly less, though their salaries did increase over time. In 2017, they were reported to be earning $175,000 per episode, which increased to $210,000 by season 8.

Emilia Clarke’s Ranking

When it comes to Game of Thrones‘ salary rankings, Emilia Clarke ranks among the highest-paid actors in the entire series. From seasons 5 to 8, she was consistently among the top five earners, alongside Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

Here’s a summary of her salary progression:

• Seasons 1–4: Likely around $50,000 to $100,000 per episode.

• Seasons 5–6: $300,000 per episode.

• Season 7: $500,000 per episode.

• Season 8: $1.2 million per episode.

Thus, over the course of the show, Clarke’s earnings steadily increased, aligning with the growing success of Game of Thrones and her rising prominence within the series.

Total Earnings and Net Worth

Taking all eight seasons into account, it’s estimated that Emilia Clarke earned approximately $19.7 million for her role as Daenerys. Here’s a breakdown of her earnings across the seasons:

• Seasons 1–4: Approximately $3 million (based on an estimated $75,000 per episode).

• Seasons 5–6: $6 million.

• Season 7: $3.5 million.

• Season 8: $7.2 million.

When you factor in her other career earnings—ranging from film roles to endorsements—Clarke’s net worth is estimated to be around $13 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Unexpected Detail

An interesting point about Game of Thrones‘ salary data is how much the actors’ earnings evolved over time. While the early seasons were marked by relatively modest paychecks, the salaries grew significantly as the show became a global sensation. This is a reminder that even the most successful projects often begin with modest compensation, but grow as the show’s success builds momentum.

Conclusion

Emilia Clarke’s salary over the eight seasons of Game of Thrones reflects both her character’s importance and the show’s worldwide success. As one of the highest-paid actors on the series, Clarke earned millions over the course of the show, with a notable salary increase in the final seasons. Her rise from relatively modest paychecks to securing $1.2 million per episode in season 8 is a testament to the impact of Game of Thrones and her pivotal role as Daenerys Targaryen.