Ranking the Cast of The Big Bang Theory by Net Worth

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 04:  Cast members of "The Big Bang Theory" (L-R)  Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar, Johnny Galecki at the The Alzheimer's Association's 17th Annual "A Night At Sardi's" on March 4, 2009 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

CBS’ Big Bang Theory is one of the network’s most popular shows.  With seven seasons and over 150 episodes, the sitcom centers around five main characters who live in Pasadena, California.  Since the show’s inception other supporting characters have been added to the main cast, creating an interesting and entertaining dynamic between the cast.  The Big Bang Theory has also been nominated for, and won, several awards throughout it’s tenure, including People’s Choice awards, a Golden Globe, and several primetime Emmy awards.  Due to the show’s strong fan base, the show’s leading stars have been able to reap the benefits of success, and over the years these celebrities have been able to negotiate contracts giving some cast members hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode. Here is a list ranking the stars of The Big Bang Theory by net worth.

5. Kunal Nayyar $5 million

Kunal Nayyar, who plays the role of Dr. Raj Koothrappali, made his first on screen appearance in 2004 in the film S.C.I.E.N.C.E.  Although Nayyar originally began his tenure on The Big Bang Theory as a guest star, he is now part of the show’s main cast.  In 2012 Nayyar was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role as Dr. Raj Koothrappali.  Thanks to new contract negotiations, Nayyar could make $60,000 per episode for the show’s upcoming season.

4. Mayim Bialik $12 million

Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy Farrah Fowler, originally joined the show’s cast as a guest star; however, she has since been promoted to the show’s main cast.  Bialik originally rose to fame for her staring role in the 90s sitcom, Blossom. Although Bialik has achieved much success in her acting career, she has also taken the time to  earn a PhD, similar to her character on The Big Bang Theory.  According to sources, Bialik could earn up to $60,000 per episode for the show’s 8th season.

3. Jim Parsons $30 million

Jim Parsons, who plays nerdy Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, and his performance on the show is often credited with earning the show much of its success.  Parsons has won seven awards for his role on the show including a Golden Globe and an Emmy.  Parsons has recently signed a new contract for the show’s 8th season which will earn him $1 million per episode.

2. Kaley Cuoco $30 million

Actress Kaley Cuoco, who plays Penny on The Big Bang Theory, was born in Camarillo, California and made her first on screen appearance in 1992. Before The Big Bang Theory Cuoco starred in several other series including 8 Simple Rules and Charmed.  For her role as Penny, Cuoco has won a Satellite Award, a Critics’ Choice Television Award, and a People’s Choice Award. During season 8 of The Big Bang Theory Cuoco will make $1 million dollars per episode.

1. Johnny Galecki $35 million

Johnny Galecki has been in the spot light long before he was cast as Dr. Leonard Hofstadter.  Galecki made his acting debut in 1987 on the CBS miniseries, Murder Ordained and over the last two decades he has racked up more than 50 TV and film credits.  His character on The Big Bang Theory is an experimental physicist who has a crush on his neighbor Penny (played by Kaley Cuoco) and does everything in his power to get her attention. During season 8 of The Big Bang Theory Galecki will make $1 million dollars per episode.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Written by Camille Moore

Camille has a master's degree from Saint Joseph University's Writing Studies program, and she currently works as the Writing Center Assistant Director at a small university in western Pennsylvania. Camille's writing has been published on several websites, and she enjoys writing articles and short stories in her spare time. You can follow Camille on Twitter @CamealAshley.