How Much Do The Amazing Race Contestants Make?

by

As a lifelong film enthusiast and self-proclaimed reality TV connoisseur, I must say that the intricacies of “The Amazing Race” have always captivated me. Having watched every season since its inception, I can attest to the show’s unique blend of adventure, competition, and human connection that keeps viewers hooked for years.

For over two decades, “The Amazing Race” has been renowned as one of the top reality TV shows, and a fresh season is set to grace our screens in 2025. The show masterfully chronicles the global adventures of its contestants, with host Phil never hesitating to reveal the prizes at the end of each challenge or season. However, given the extensive time commitment and diverse nature of the prizes, I’ve often pondered about how much “The Amazing Race” contestants earn.

The situation is rather intricate, with several aspects understood regarding the season events and the overall reward. If luck favors you and CBS finds your audition video appealing, this is a glimpse of what might transpire.

The Big Prize On The Amazing Race Always Stays The Same

Throughout the years, the climactic stages of TAR have taken various forms, but the ultimate outcome remains consistent. Every season, the team that manages to get both its members to Phil and touch the mat first claims the $1 million prize. This amount is a recurring theme in the series, although the show has frequently modified how the final stages unfold on screen. For instance, last season marked the first time there were no non-elimination legs, meaning someone was eliminated every episode.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d like to point out an interesting aspect of this show: it’s usually played in pairs, except for a standout season with Stassi Schroeder, who later became famous on Vanderpump Rules. This detail is significant because not all competing pairs are married couples. If they win the grand prize of $500,000, it’s typically split between the two contestants. However, even though the winnings are earned internationally, U.S. taxes still apply, potentially taking away a substantial chunk – estimates suggest anywhere from $300,000 to $350,000 of that million total.

Despite not being exceptional, each competitor stands to win approximately $350,000. However, the Holdernesses revealed in a past podcast that, following tax deductions, they walked away with slightly more than half of their winnings.

Regarding Season 36, it’s worth mentioning that Ricky Rotandi and César Aldrete emerged victorious, but their triumph extended beyond just the grand prize. They truly excelled in a diverse range of challenges, from intricate dancing routines to masterful welding tasks. Remarkably, this dynamic duo won an impressive 7 out of the 11 total legs, with six of those wins occurring before the finale itself.

How Additional Compensation Works On The Amazing Race

In truth, there are two methods to earn extra money and prizes on ‘The Amazing Race’. One way is by strategically outsmarting, outlasting, and outmaneuvering fellow contestants in the race. This means that the longer you stay in the show, the bigger the cash reward you receive from CBS.

Initially in Season 6 of the series, a pair of contestants ranked 11th walked away with just $1500 each, which isn’t much after taxes are deducted. However, the money increases as the competition progresses, with the runner-up team earning around $25,000 extra and the third-place team pocketing $10,000 more (as reported by Men’s Health).

Since Season 6 of The Amazing Race occurred in 2004, there’s good reason to assume that the figures have evolved throughout the years. Unlike contestants on Survivor, the earnings of The Amazing Race participants are usually shrouded in secrecy. In a 2024 Australian version of the show, it was disclosed that prize packages for that particular season ranged significantly, with Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe reportedly earning approximately $350,000, while other contestants received between $50,000 and $75,000 for their participation. It’s important to mention that this was a special celebrity edition of the show in another country, but it demonstrates just how much salaries can fluctuate.

Which brings us to the final way to “make money” on The Amazing Race. The show often has prize packages ranging from cash amounts to free trips and even cars that can extend the goodies contestants can take home if they win specific legs. Of course, those prizes also come with a caveat; like The Price is Right and other prize-specific shows before them, contestants must pay taxes on these prizes.

In Season 8, one standout prize was awarded: the Branson family received “lifetime supply of gas.” However, Wally, the patriarch, later explained that this equated to $1,200 worth of gas for a span of 50 years. To simplify matters, BP and Arco allowed the family to cash out after one year.

Contestants Are Paid In Exposure — And A Trip Around The Globe

Over time, several well-known personalities have decided to join the ranks of TAR. Among them are Mike White from “The White Lotus”, Rachel, Alison from “Big Brothers”, Rob and Amber from “Survivor”, and many others. Athletes have also taken part, such as Alexander Rossi, Conor Daly, Joey Chestnut (a pro eater), and numerous former NFL and NBA stars. Here’s hoping we see even more famous faces in the future.

For participants who aren’t well-known initially, it’s possible for them to gain popularity on social media or secure additional chances after their appearance on the show. Notably, the main purpose of The Amazing Race is to embark on a global journey with someone you cherish (or at least grow fond of). The true reward is an unforgettable experience.

Read More

2024-12-25 21:37