Survivor brings contestants from all over the country to the most remote destinations on the planet, in hopes of “outwitting, outplaying and outlasting” their competitors. Facing a number of physical and mental challenges, the winner is paid handsomely if they’re the last to make it to the end.

What Is the Prize For Winning ‘Survivor’?

The grand prize for winning Survivor is a $1 million prize. However, it is taxed — something season 1 winner, Richard Hatch, found out the hard way when he was accused of tax evasion in 2005 for failing to pay taxes on the prize money.

Although he claimed CBS told him that they would cover the bill, he was convicted and sentenced to 51 months in prison in 2006, per E! News. After he was released in May 2009, he was sent back to jail for tax violation after he didn’t refile his taxes for 2000 and 2001.

In addition to the money, the winner has the bragging rights of knowing they outlasted their competitors on the island.

Is There a Prize for the ‘Survivor’ Runner-Up?

The second-place winner doesn’t go home empty-handed. While official numbers vary by season, the runner-up usually takes home $100,000, before taxes, per Money Lion.

The third-place winner reportedly takes home $85,000.

Do Contestants Get Paid for Appearing on ‘Survivor’?

Each player walks away with some money for their time spent on the island, though amounts vary on placement in the show. The first person to get booted off the island typically gets a payout of $3,500, according to Cinema Blend. Pre-pandemic, each member of the cast was also given $10,000 to attend the finale.

So even if you’re the first person to get voted off of the island, contestants usually make a minimum of $13,500.

‘Survivor’ Contestants Open Up About Paychecks

Survivor contestants have revealed how much they were paid after leaving mid-season. Two-time Survivor contestant Corinne Kaplan revealed she earned $45,000 for placing 7th in Survivor: Gabon in 2008. When she returned for Survivor: Caramoan in 2013, she placed 12th and received $12,000.

Singer Sia Often Gave Out Bonuses to Her Favorite Contestants

Sia, known for her hit singles “Cheap Thrills” and “Chandelier,” came out to be a Survivor superfan and has often given away large amounts of money to her favorite contestants.

Carolyn Wiger, who also appeared on season 3 of The Traitors, was awarded $100,000 by the songwriter on season 44 of Survivor.

However, host Jeff Probst announced at the end of season 46 that Sia would no longer be awarding money to the contestants.

Do Fans Feel the ‘Survivor’ Money Needs to Be Increased?

Fans have posed questions online if the prize money needs to be increased, as it has stayed the same sum since the series debut in 2000. At the time, the prize equaled the highest possible prize on ABC’s quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, which premiered a year earlier.

The prize has taken a major hit when it comes to inflation as the $1 million today is worth $534,850 in 2000’s buying power, per the Hollywood Reporter.

“$1 million is still a lot of money — more than many other shows offer — for what is a lifetime opportunity for those fortunate to participate,” a source told the outlet. “The money isn’t the only motivating factor — the life experience and personal growth is a big driving force for those who audition.”