For more than two decades, NCIS has ruled primetime television like a well-trained special ops team—delivering gripping cases, sharp banter, and a cast of characters that feels like family. Debuting on April 22, 2003, the military police procedural has become a CBS juggernaut, spawning multiple spin-offs and commanding a loyal global fanbase.
But behind the on-screen camaraderie and high-stakes investigations lies another story—one of eye-popping paychecks, high-powered negotiations, and fortunes built on the success of one of TV’s most enduring franchises. The salaries of the NCIS cast have long been a subject of fascination for fans. Now, we’re pulling back the curtain to reveal who’s cashing in big—and who sits comfortably at the very top of the show’s financial food chain.
The Heavyweight: Mark Harmon – $525,000 Per Episode | Net Worth: $120 Million
For 19 seasons, Mark Harmon was the steady, steel-blue-eyed anchor of NCIS, portraying Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. At his peak, Harmon was raking in an astonishing $525,000 per episode—translating to $12.6 million for a standard 24-episode season. His decades-long career as an actor, producer, and director, coupled with his executive producer role, has amassed him an estimated net worth of $120 million. Harmon remains the undisputed richest NCIS alum.
Michael Weatherly – $250,000 Per Episode | Net Worth: $45 Million
As the charming Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo from seasons 1–13, Michael Weatherly was a fan favorite for his wit and charisma. Earning $250,000 per episode during his NCIS tenure, Weatherly has since found continued success in CBS’s Bull. His $45 million fortune is the result of strategic career moves both in front of and behind the camera.
Pauley Perrette – $200,000 Per Episode | Net Worth: $22 Million
Few TV characters have left as distinctive a mark as Abby Sciuto, the goth-genius forensic scientist played by Pauley Perrette. Appearing for 15 seasons, she earned around $200,000 per episode and built a $22 million net worth. Perrette is also known for her activism and outspoken advocacy for women’s rights.
Sean Murray – $300,000 Per Episode | Net Worth: $8 Million
Joining as a recurring character in season one before becoming a mainstay as Timothy McGee in season two, Sean Murray has grown into one of the highest-paid members of the current cast with $300,000 per episode. His fortune may not match Harmon’s, but his $8 million net worth proves loyalty to the NCIS brand pays off.
Cote de Pablo – $120,000 Per Episode | Net Worth: $6 Million
As Special Agent Ziva David, Cote de Pablo became a central figure from seasons 3–11, later returning in a recurring role in season 17. At $120,000 per episode, she built a $6 million fortune—while also launching a successful music career.
Wilmer Valderrama – $100,000 Per Episode | Net Worth: $20 Million
Valderrama joined in season 14 as Nicholas Torres, injecting new energy into the team. Earning about $100,000 per episode, his wealth—estimated at $20 million—comes from a career spanning That ’70s Show, voice acting, producing, and music ventures.
The Supporting Players: Salaries Still in Six Figures
While Harmon, Murray, and Weatherly lead in per-episode pay, many other NCIS stars are still comfortably in six-figure territory:
-
David McCallum (Donald “Ducky” Mallard) – $175,000 per episode | Net Worth: $15 million
-
Maria Bello (Dr. Jacqueline Sloane) – $125,000 per episode | Net Worth: $12 million
-
Emily Wickersham (Eleanor Bishop) – $100,000 per episode | Net Worth: $6 million
-
Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd) – Rumored $200,000 per episode | Net Worth: $20 million
-
Rocky Carroll (Leon Vance) – Rumored $100,000 per episode | Net Worth: undisclosed
-
Brian Dietzen (Jimmy Palmer) – Rumored $100,000 per episode | Net Worth: undisclosed
-
Katrina Law (Jessica Knight) – Rumored $100,000 per episode | Net Worth: $2 million
-
Diona Reasonover (Kasie Hines) – Rumored $100,000 per episode | Net Worth: undisclosed
-
Gary Cole (Alden Parker) – Rumored $100,000 per episode | Net Worth: $5 million
The Factors Behind the Figures
Lucy Mwangi, an award-winning producer with decades of experience in TV and film, explains that actor salaries depend on the project’s budget, the size of the role, and the platform. Main cast members with heavy screen time command more money, while high-profile names can sometimes earn significant fees for even brief appearances. Professionalism, reliability, and negotiation skills can also make the difference between an average paycheck and a lucrative one.
Royalties: The Mystery Money
How much the NCIS cast makes from royalties is largely undisclosed. For many actors, their contracts on network TV include fixed salaries without residuals from streaming—though syndication deals can sometimes bring in additional income for certain high-profile players.
The Final Takeaway: A Wealthy Squad
While the numbers vary, one thing is clear—being part of NCIS is as financially rewarding as it is career-defining. From Mark Harmon’s nine-figure fortune to the comfortable millions earned by long-time and short-term cast members, the series remains one of the most lucrative ensembles on television.
The next time you watch Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, or Torres chase down a lead, remember—behind those tense interrogations and dramatic takedowns are actors whose bank accounts are every bit as impressive as their résumés.
