Nollywood is no longer just Africa’s cinematic pride—it’s a global force. With billion-naira productions, international premieres, and Netflix blockbusters, the Nigerian movie industry has seen an explosive surge in both quality and revenue. This transformation has also boosted actors' and actresses’ paychecks in a major way. In 2025, the salary landscape looks better than ever.
So, how much are Nollywood’s biggest names like Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, or Odunlade Adekola earning today? Let’s break it down.
1. Rising Stars: Entry-Level and Upcoming Actors’ Earnings
Every major Nollywood celebrity once started small—often in low-budget films or TV series. In 2025, new actors in the industry can expect to earn modestly as they build their reputations.
Estimated Per-Movie Salary:
- Entry-level actors: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000
- Upcoming talents (1–3 years in industry): ₦300,000 – ₦600,000
These figures are typical for appearances in regional films, short YouTube series, or low-budget productions. However, with consistency and audience attention, pay can double in a few years.
Example:
- Stan Nze, who once featured in modest roles, now earns up to ₦1 million per film thanks to his breakout performance in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story.
2. Mid-Level Actors: Climbing the Financial Ladder
Once an actor becomes a regular face on screens and gains a loyal fanbase, their earnings increase significantly.
Per Movie Pay (2025):
- ₦700,000 – ₦2 million
Example:
- Uche Jombo and Blossom Chukwujekwu earn within this range, especially in TV drama series and movies airing on Showmax or Africa Magic.
3. The Heavyweights: Top Nollywood Actors and Their 2025 Fees
Top-tier Nollywood celebrities are now commanding millions of naira per movie—especially when they headline high-budget films or work with international distributors like Netflix.
Top Earners and Their Estimated Fees:
- Zubby Michael – ₦3 million – ₦5 million
- Mercy Johnson-Okojie – ₦5 million – ₦8 million
- Odunlade Adekola (Yoruba films) – ₦2 million – ₦3.5 million
- Nkem Owoh (Osuofia) – ₦5 million – ₦10 million
- Yul Edochie – ₦3 million – ₦10 million
- Destiny Etiko – ₦3 million – ₦5 million
- Jim Iyke – ₦5 million – ₦10 million
These stars often take multiple roles per year, leading to impressive annual earnings.
4. Other Ways Nollywood Actors Make Money in 2025
Aside from movie salaries, top Nollywood personalities rake in income through various channels:
Brand Endorsements
- Mercy Aigbe has deals with beauty brands and fashion labels.
- Jim Iyke previously partnered with Glo and other telecoms.
YouTube Revenue
- Some actors produce and upload skits or full movies, monetizing their content directly.
Streaming Royalties
- When movies get sold to Netflix or Amazon Prime, actors may receive performance-based bonuses or upfront lump sums.
Event Appearances and Hosting
- A-list stars are often paid to attend weddings, brand launches, and award shows.
2025 Nollywood Salary Table by Actor Category
|
Category |
Estimated Pay Per Movie (₦) |
|
Entry-Level |
₦100,000 – ₦300,000 |
|
Upcoming |
₦300,000 – ₦600,000 |
|
Mid-Level |
₦700,000 – ₦2 million |
|
Top-Tier |
₦2 million – ₦5 million+ |
|
Producers/Executives |
₦5 million – ₦10 million+ (project) |
What Factors Determine an Actor’s Pay in Nollywood?
- Experience & Acting Portfolio
- Social Media Influence (Instagram/TikTok following)
- Box Office Success
- Language/Market Reach (Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, English)
- Streaming Appeal (Netflix/Amazon Prime Originals)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the highest-paid Nollywood actor in 2025?
Answer: Zubby Michael is currently among the highest-paid male actors, with earnings between ₦3 million and ₦5 million per movie.
Q2: How much do Yoruba movie actors earn?
Answer: Top Yoruba actors like Odunlade Adekola earn between ₦2 million and ₦3.5 million per movie. Entry-level actors earn much less.
Q3: Do Nollywood actors get paid upfront?
Answer: Yes, most actors receive part or full payment upfront before filming begins. Bigger stars may negotiate 100% upfront fees.
Q4: Are royalties common in Nollywood?
Answer: Royalties are rare, except for movies distributed by international platforms like Netflix or IROKOtv, which may offer long-term revenue sharing.
Q5: Can Nollywood acting be a full-time career in 2025?
Answer: Absolutely. Many stars earn enough from film roles, endorsements, and side businesses to live comfortably and build wealth.
Conclusion
From upcoming actors earning ₦300,000 to stars like Zubby Michael and Mercy Johnson raking in ₦5 million per film, Nollywood is now a land of real financial opportunity. The industry's growing global presence means acting in Nigeria isn’t just a passion—it’s a profitable career choice in 2025. For aspiring talents, the spotlight has never been brighter.
