Reality shows pay contestants or cast members a stipend for appearing on the show. For example, the cast members of "Big Brother: Season 8" received $750 each week, while "American Idol" contestants receive a minimum of $900 for each show. A number of reality shows do not disclose the amount paid to contestants.
Celebrities appearing on reality shows receive a considerably higher amount of money than those who are not famous. On "Dancing with the Stars," Heather Mills made a reported $217,000, while Shawn Johnson earned a guaranteed $125,000.
The winners of competition reality shows receive prize money. "Big Brother" winners collect $500,000, and the show's second-place contestant wins $50,000. "Survivor" winners take home $1 million.