When it comes to the world of TV dramas, few shows burn as brightly as NBC’s Chicago Fire. The hit series has been keeping fans hooked for more than a decade with its high-stakes rescues, emotional twists, and unforgettable characters. Among its standout stars is Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays the fierce and fearless Lieutenant Stella Kidd.
For years, fans have speculated about how much their favorite “One Chicago” actors earn—but now, thanks to an unexpected twist involving a legal dispute, we finally have some answers. And let’s just say this: Miranda Rae Mayo’s paycheck is as impressive as Stella’s leadership on the firehouse floor.
The Salary Reveal That Shocked Fans
According to court documents tied to an ongoing lawsuit filed by Spectrum Productions, Mayo’s former talent agency, the actress is being sued for an alleged unpaid sum of $231,900 (via The Blast). While the case is still pending, the paperwork brought one juicy detail to light: Miranda Rae Mayo’s Chicago Fire salary.
The numbers are nothing short of impressive. After renegotiating her contract following Season 10, Mayo reportedly earns $75,000 per episode. Considering that Chicago Fire typically runs 22 to 24 episodes per season, this means Mayo is pulling in an estimated $1.65 million annually—minimum. And that doesn’t even include residuals, crossover appearances on Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med, or any endorsements and other projects she might take on.
How Does She Compare to Other “One Chicago” Stars?
This revelation has sparked curiosity about how Mayo’s salary stacks up against her co-stars—and other franchise heavyweights. According to reports from sites like Celebrity Net Worth, Chicago P.D. star Jason Beghe allegedly commands as much as $250,000 per episode, which would put him at a staggering $5.5 million per season.
While those numbers for Beghe are unconfirmed, Mayo’s leaked earnings come straight from court documents, making them far more credible. If anything, this puts her among the top earners in the Chicago Fire cast—an achievement that underscores just how vital her character, Stella Kidd, has become to the series’ success.
More Than Just a Paycheck: The Hard Work Behind the Role
If anyone thinks Mayo’s salary is easy money, think again. Portraying a firefighter on a major network drama is no walk in the park. Beyond memorizing lines and performing emotionally charged scenes, Mayo underwent intensive firefighter training at the Illinois Fire Service Institute’s Fire College program to authentically bring Stella Kidd to life.
The role demands both physical endurance and emotional depth—qualities that Mayo delivers episode after episode, cementing her as one of the show’s most compelling characters. From fierce leadership in Firehouse 51 to her passionate romance with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), Stella Kidd is a fan favorite, and Miranda Rae Mayo has more than earned every penny of her paycheck.
Why This Matters for Fans and the Future of “Chicago Fire”
This salary leak doesn’t just satisfy curiosity—it highlights the true value of strong female characters in modern TV. Miranda Rae Mayo’s rise through the ranks, both on-screen and off, is a testament to her talent and the show’s commitment to representation and dynamic storytelling.
As for the lawsuit? Time will tell how that plays out. But one thing’s certain: whether she’s commanding the firehouse or commanding a massive paycheck, Miranda Rae Mayo is on fire—and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
What do you think about Mayo’s $75,000-per-episode salary? Does it surprise you—or do you think she deserves even more?
