“The Bachelorette” returns once again with its signature mix of romances, heartbreaks, and the promise of a proposal. This season, Jenn Tran takes the lead, searching for her ideal match among 25 men.

Everything is set—the tightly packed schedule featuring beloved events and special dates, the channels and streaming services that will bring us the series, and more! Will this installment crack the Top 10 best seasons? Only time will tell.

As with every year, the reality TV spectacle becomes more costly, prompting viewers to wonder how much contestants earn for their involvement. Here are all the details.

Do the contestants on ‘The Bachelorette’ get paid?

The sad truth is that contestants on “The Bachelorette” do not receive a salary. According to StyleCaster, the immense public recognition gained from appearing on even just one episode is considered the metaphorical payment by producers. In other words, participation itself is seen as the prize.

From podcast hosts to bestselling authors, many former contestants have used their fame from the reality TV series to propel their careers. However, this doesn’t overshadow the fact that contestants not only go unpaid but often engage in substantial debts due to the necessity of purchasing extensive wardrobes for various date scenarios—whether for cold weather, swimming, heat, or the elaborate rose ceremonies.

In summary, signing on as a contestant for “The Bachelorette” requires a significant sacrifice. Yet, if you can capitalize on the visibility the show provides, you may ultimately recover your expenses and more.

Does The Bachelorette get paid?

According to Reality Steve, both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette earn around $100,000 per season. It’s not a substantial amount considering they lead one of the most significant dating shows. However, like contestants, they gain screen time that can alter their lives forever. This is especially true for the leads, who will never go unnoticed again.

The exact figure isn’t fixed. Some have the leverage to negotiate higher payments based on their influence from previous seasons of “The Bachelor,” while others may have less bargaining power and accept the production team’s offer without negotiation.

For instance, Emily Maynard, who became iconic after her engagement with Brad Womack on Season 15 of “The Bachelor” and later starred as the Bachelorette in Season 8, negotiated a salary of $250,000.