How Much Does Kenan Make On Snl

Let’s be real for a second. You’ve probably asked yourself this while watching SNL on a Saturday night: “How much does Kenan Thompson actually make for this?” The man is an institution. He’s been on the show since 2003, which is basically a lifetime in comedy years.

So, let’s dive into the magical world of NBC salaries. Just be warned: the numbers might make you want to quit your day job. Or maybe just laugh—like Kenan does.

The Short Answer: A Lot of Dough

According to various reports (and a little detective work), Kenan Thompson is the highest-paid cast member on SNL. We’re talking a base salary of around $25,000 to $30,000 per episode. That’s for a standard 21-episode season.

Do the math, and you’re looking at roughly $525,000 to $630,000 a year just from the show. And that’s before we get into the fun stuff like commercials, movies, and producing credits. Not bad for a guy who started on All That as a kid, right?

But wait, you might be thinking, “That’s less than I expected for a 20-year veteran!” Well, hold your horses. This is just the starting point for a legend.

The “Kenan Tax” and Longevity Perks

Here’s the secret sauce: Kenan doesn’t just get a flat fee. He gets a “longevity bonus.” After spending nearly two decades on the show, he’s earned the right to renegotiate. Every few seasons, he signs a new contract that likely includes profit-sharing from syndication and streaming deals.

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That means when you watch SNL on Peacock or Hulu, Kenan gets a tiny piece of the pie. It’s like getting a paycheck every time someone quotes “What’s up with that?” at a party. Cha-ching.

Plus, he’s an executive producer on the show now. That’s a fancy title that usually comes with a hefty pay bump. We’re not talking a few extra hundred bucks. We’re talking potential millions over the lifetime of the contract.

How Does He Compare to Other Cast Members?

For context, a brand-new, fresh-faced cast member makes about $7,000 per episode. That’s a solid $147,000 a year for a rookie. Not bad for your first real job out of improv school.

But Kenan is in a different universe. He’s believed to make three to four times more than the average cast member. Compare him to past heavyweights like Eddie Murphy or Bill Hader in their later years, and Kenan’s numbers are right up there.

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Fun fact: Lorne Michaels reportedly doesn’t haggle with Kenan. When Kenan asks for a raise, Lorne probably just says, “Sure, how many zeroes?” Because losing Kenan would be like losing the stage manager—everything would fall apart.

The Real Money Comes From… Everywhere Else

Let’s not forget the side hustles. Kenan has starred in movie franchises (think Good Burger 2), voiced characters like the furry blue monster in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and hosted the Emmy Awards. Each of those gigs pays six or seven figures.

He also has production deals through his own company. That means he gets paid for shows he doesn’t even act in. It’s like owning a vending machine that dispenses laughter and cash.

So when you ask “How much does Kenan make?”—the real answer is: enough to never worry about a pizza delivery bill again. And probably enough to buy the entire pizza shop.

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What About the Future?

Here’s the thing: Kenan is irreplaceable. He’s the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history. Lorne Michaels has called him the “glue” of the show. Glue gets paid well, especially when it’s funny.

If he stays for another five seasons (please, Kenan, don’t leave!), he could easily negotiate a deal worth $1 million per season. That’s not a typo. At that point, his salary would rival the hosts’ fees for hosting the show.

And remember, he’s only 46. He could be doing this until he’s 60, silently becoming the richest comedian you’ve never thought about. Meanwhile, we’ll all be at home, wearing our “Diner Lobster” T-shirts, wondering where our money went.

The Bottom Line (I Promise, We’re Almost Done)

So, how much does Kenan make on SNL? Let’s sum it up: somewhere between “very comfortable” and “I can buy a small island.”

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But honestly? The money is just a bonus. Kenan has given us thousands of laughs, from singing about suburbia to dressing up as a giant child. That’s priceless.

Here’s the uplifting part: Kenan Thompson is proof that hard work, patience, and a killer impression of Will Smith pay off. He started as a kid on Nickelodeon, never stopped grinding, and now he’s a comedy king.

So the next time you see him on your screen, give him a little cheer. He’s not just rich—he’s a living legend. And honestly, he deserves every penny. Plus, he probably uses his money to buy snacks for the whole cast. That’s the kind of guy he is.

Now, go watch an old All That sketch and smile. You’re welcome.