The Evolution of the Stranger Things Cast
Since Stranger Things first premiered on Netflix back in 2016, the cast have come a long way. Most of the cast members were still children, but fast forward nearly a decade later when the final season premieres and they are all adults with established careers. The show has not only become a cultural phenomenon but also a launching pad for many of its actors, who have gone on to achieve great success in various fields.
Millie Bobby Brown – The Highest Earner
Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, is the highest earner among the Stranger Things cast with an estimated net worth of $20 million. Her fortune comes from her work as an actress and producer, businesswoman, and author. Brown’s salary for the show increased significantly over the years, from $20,000 to $30,000 per episode in the first two seasons to upwards of $300,000 per episode in later seasons.
While her exact salary for the fifth and final season isn’t known due to her unique deal with Netflix, she made $10 million for starring in and producing Enola Holmes 2. Brown has also starred in other Netflix hits like Damsel and The Electric State and will continue her relationship with the streamer for future projects. She published her novel Nineteen Steps in 2023 and launched her lifestyle brand Florence by Mills in 2019, which includes skincare, makeup, clothing, coffee, eyewear, and luggage.
Winona Ryder – A Veteran Star
Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, has an estimated net worth of $18 million (though some sources suggest it could be as high as $30 million). As one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, she has been working as an actress since 1986 and is known for films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Heathers, Little Women, Reality Bites, Mr. Deeds, and Girl, Interrupted. Ryder is reported to have made over $1 million per episode for Stranger Things 5.
David Harbour – A Breakthrough Role
David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, has an estimated net worth of about $6 million. His career spans decades, but Stranger Things became his breakthrough role. His salary increased from $80,000 to $300,000 per episode, eventually reaching over $1 million per episode. Harbour has also appeared in films such as Hellboy, Violent Night, Black Widow, Gran Turismo, and Thunderbolts. He has several big-screen projects coming up, including Avengers: Doomsday.
Gaten Matarazzo – A Rising Star
Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, has an estimated net worth of about $5 million. His salary for Stranger Things 5 was reportedly around $875,000 per episode. In addition to his work on the show, he has starred in the film Honor Society, appeared in numerous Broadway productions, and has taken part in other movie and television roles, as well as endorsements.
Natalia Dyer – A Versatile Actress
Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy Wheeler, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. She has appeared in movies such as Velvet Buzzsaw, Things Heard & Seen, All Fun and Games, and Yes, God, Yes. She also starred in the first season of the Peacock series Based on a True Story. Dyer reportedly made about $750,000 per episode for Stranger Things 5.
Maya Hawke – A Multifaceted Talent
Maya Hawke, who plays Robin Buckley, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Her role as Robin on Stranger Things earned her about $750,000 per episode for season 5. In addition to her acting career, she is a singer-songwriter and has released three studio albums. She also voiced Anxiety in Disney’s Inside Out 2, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Charlie Heaton – A Versatile Actor
Charlie Heaton, who plays Mike Wheeler, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. His salary for Stranger Things 5 was reportedly around $750,000 per episode. He has also appeared in titles such as The New Mutants, No Future, The Souvenir Part II, and the upcoming fourth season of HBO’s Industry.
Joe Keery – A Rock Star and Actor
Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. He reportedly made $750,000 per episode for Stranger Things 5. In addition to his acting career, he is a musician under the name Djo, having released three full albums and the hit single “End of Beginning” in 2024. He has also starred in Spree, Free Guy, and Fargo.
Sadie Sink – A Rising Star
Sadie Sink, who plays Max Mayfield, has a net worth of $4 million, primarily from her role on Stranger Things. Her salary for the fifth season reportedly increased to over $800,000 per episode, though that hasn’t been confirmed. She has also starred on Broadway, in the Fear Street movies, Taylor Swift’s All Too Well short film, and has a role in the upcoming Spider-Man movie.
Finn Wolfhard – A Multitalented Artist
Finn Wolfhard, who plays Lucas Sinclair, has a net worth of $4 million. He reportedly made about $875,000 per episode for Stranger Things 5, which would mark his highest-paid role to date. He has also starred in two Ghostbusters movies, two It movies, and directed the movie Hell of a Summer. Wolfhard is a member of the band The Aubreys and released his debut studio album in June 2025.
Jamie Campbell Bower – The Face of Vecna
Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Some sources suggest he made $750,000 per episode for Stranger Things 5. He has also appeared in The Twilight Saga, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Camelot. He is also a member of the band Counterfeit and has released several solo singles.
Caleb McLaughlin – A Versatile Actor
Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Eddie Munson, has a net worth of $3 million. He reportedly brought in $875,000 per episode for Stranger Things 5. McLaughlin has also starred in The Lion King on Broadway, High Flying Bird, Concrete Cowboy, The Book of Clarence, and The New Edition Story.
Noah Schnapp – A Growing Star
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, has an estimated net worth of $3 million, though some sources believe it could have crept up to $4 million. He was rumored to have made $875,000 per episode for Stranger Things 5. His net worth also comes from his other work as an actor and his former business ventures, like TBH and TenderFix.
Final Thoughts
The Stranger Things cast has grown into a group of highly successful and talented individuals, each with their own unique path and achievements. From actors to musicians and entrepreneurs, they have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
